In a stunning work of feminist historical fiction for readers who loved Dawn Tripp’s Georgia and Whitney Scharer’s The Age of Light, Jud...

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When the sun rises over the bustling city of Kolkata, a silent symphony begins to unfold within the walls of Emami Art Gallery. "Dawn to Dusk: A Silent Symphony," an evocative solo exhibition by artist Ujjal Dey, masterfully unravels the intricate intersections of matriarchal labor. Through a compelling blend of textile artistry and culinary symbolism, Dey's work shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in vernacular and quotidian spaces. Here, fabric becomes a narrative medium that speaks volumes about heritage, culture, and the unyielding spirit of matriarchal figures who weave resilience into the very fabric of daily life. As you step into the gallery, you're enveloped by an array of artistic masterpieces – from smaller, delicate textile panels to grandiose hanging pieces that command attention. These works are reminiscent of traditional hand-painted, printed, and dyed calicoes, each bearing a story deeply rooted in regional soil and cultural specificity. The visual dialogue created by Dey's utilization of culinary tools as both symbolic motifs and technical mediums becomes strikingly apparent. This exhibition explores intersections of matriarchal labour through various lenses, fostering a profound appreciation for the skill and dedication often relegated to the background. With pigments extracted from the South-Asian bio-network, Dey infuses ecological consciousness into his expressionist approach, making each piece not only a visual feast but also a commentary on sustainability and tradition. Richa Agarwal, CEO of Emami Art, remarked that Dey's textiles present three distinctive ways to confront some of the troubled truths of our contemporary world, making this exhibition a must-see for students, critics, and art enthusiasts alike. By the time dusk approaches, visitors leave with a newfound reverence for the silent symphony of matriarchal labor that reverberates from dawn to dusk, both in the gallery and beyond.