Pashmina shawls alongside artwork by French artist Maximilien Pelet at the Maison & Objet exhibition in Paris this week. Photo: Special Arrangement
Kashmir’s famous pashmina shawl, known for its exquisite finesse over the centuries boots Or the paisley pattern, this week got a French touch. In a rare bid to cater to Western sensibilities, artist Maximilien Pelet turned the fabric into a canvas for contemporary art forms at the Exposition de Paris.
Me&K label owner Mujtaba Qadri presented pashmina shawls with modern art during this period. maison and objet Exhibition held in Paris between January 19-23. Mr. Qadri termed the move as an attempt to broaden the reach of the Kashmiri shawl industry.
“Pashmina – or cashmere as it is called in the West – is a fabric that is loved and respected around the world. That said, little is known about Kashmir’s role in this heritage. Rather than restricting its use and aesthetics within the U.S., I wanted to give a more global flavor to pashmina, infusing modernity and minimalism through the signature of the artist,” explained Mr. Qadri Hindu,
The change, where Kashmiri shawls were decorated with abstract paintings instead of intricate embroidery, has reintroduced the fabric with new-age aesthetics. “The effort was one-of-a-kind, taking art beyond utility and beyond,” said Mr. Qadri, whose new-age shawl created curiosity among people outfit Lovers and locals.
French artist Mr. Pelet, who has been given the world’s finest and most delicate fabrics for a canvas, described the art fusion with the Kashmir industry as an “honour” for his designs.
“I am more interested in the diversity of my work with different techniques and different supports in order to break down the boundary between art and design. When I have the opportunity to work closely with quality artisans, it adds to my designs. An honor to have,” explained Mr. Payette, who previously worked on hand-woven rugs in Morocco Hindu,
Mr. Payette said that when painting and drawing, the challenge was to find quick gestures that would be like a few brush strokes on paper. He said, “It is very important for me to include in my work questions of tradition, of images but also of techniques.”
Mr Payette has been tracking Kashmir’s craft industry based on online videos and photos. “I was able to understand all the different stages of the work done by hand. It represents a real attraction. I think it is another connection with time,” said Mr. Payette.
It was the 18th-century French empress Josephine – who was presented a Kashmiri Kani shawl by her husband, Emperor Napoleon – who helped revive a dying craft in Kashmir by becoming its style icon in Europe. It remains to be seen whether the new French touch proves to be another Josephine moment for the cashmere shawl industry.