DHAGA in Hindi (Indian Language means thread or string) & DHA & GA are swaras in Indian classical music. This project is an experimental art.
The thought behind this was to find a platform where textiles and music come together; the only place they do is in Performing Art. we wanted to create a piece of artwork that is experiential as well as interactive in nature.
The motif used is a flowy river-inspired copper chip built. It is embedded in pure silk fabric that's been handwoven by artisans from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. This weaving style goes back 400 years. it denotes culture, traditions, history, the passing of knowledge, and pure form of art.
India is a land where the sweet taste of water, language spoken, textiles| craft created and culture changes every few kilometers. to denote this we went with a river motif and combined it with classical music which plays along as the individuals move their hands above the copper motif. The art cant be enjoyed individually, must have someone to play along with; similar to how culture, language, traditions, and craft prevail. This project is an attempt to bring music and textile together; for people to experience and not just be views to.
Making a Circuit
Speakers
battery
Making a Circuit
Making a Circuit
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Over touching the copper chips it plays different tunes based on the movement.
The circuit consists of a MPR121 capacitative touch sensor connected to an MP3 module that is loaded with the notes of the Santoor
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How do two cultures on the bank of the rivers interact.. how would they find commonalities and harmonies..? How would they share their emotions. Their journeys and tales of change.. with the dance of river like waves and the sounds of santoor these women find their commonalities.. their dhāGā , the bond that brings them together and express in harmony...
The copper chips embedded into the fabric is connected with the circuit on the underside.
A river is the carrier of ancient messages.. a body that flow's across the land of India, bearing witness to cultures and traditions alike... It's water absorbs the climate and reacts to the elements with changes in taste and composition... it changes and contributes to the unique diversity of the regions.. and yet It unites.. it represents and carries along with its waters the commonalities in the Indian traditions..
Rivers in India are referred to as feminine energy.. they are named after women.. women are named after them..
This characteristic of a river to hold onto tradition and yet effortlessly flow through hurdles, even cutting stone... ever-changing, yet ever constant..