Hyderabad Art Week: A workshop that turned memories into embroidery

Stepping into Madhapur‘s Dhi Contemporary at 12 pm yesterday, an infectious sense of creative energy immediately set the tone for the afternoon. The gallery space was thoughtfully prepared, with wooden hoops and Bunka punch needles neatly laid out at every workstation. Surrounding us were evocative textile works crafted by artists Anindita Chakraborty and Sharmistha Kar, serving as an inspiring backdrop for the session. Organised as part of Hyderabad Art Week, the ‘Mapping with Embroidery’ workshop offered participants a tactile space to explore themes of identity, migration, memory, and material culture through thread and fabric.

Both facilitators brought impressive, international practices to the room. Anindita Chakraborty, an artist, educator, and researcher originally from Tripura and now based in Montreal, holds an MFA from the University of Hyderabad. Her biophilic practice frequently incorporates natural materials to explore memory and displacement, with her work having been exhibited across India, Canada, and Lithuania. Alongside her was Sharmistha Kar, an artist and doctoral candidate at Concordia University. Sharmistha’s research-creation practice bridges hand and machine embroidery, natural dyeing, and digital weaving, drawing from rich traditions like Kantha, Rafu, and Bunka. Having showcased her art globally, in India, the UK, the US, Finland, Iceland, and Canada, her depth of experience offered a grounding presence throughout the workshop.

Sharmistha opened the afternoon by walking us through her artistic journey, explaining how she transforms everyday objects, personal stories, and nostalgia into Bunka embroidery creations. Inspired by her story, we were invited to look inward, choose a meaningful memory, and begin mapping it onto canvas.

Getting accustomed to the Bunka punch needle took a bit of practice at first; it demands a deliberate, steady rhythm. However, once the initial learning curve passed, a quiet, collective focus settled over the room. The process quickly turned deeply therapeutic. The continuous, physical action of punching thread into stretched cloth provided a rare, meditative pause from the fast pace of daily life, encouraging patience and presence.

Around the table, individual stories gradually took visual shape. One participant carefully embroidered a classic teapot, another traced their favourite, most nostalgic routes through their hometown, while others rendered delicate floral motifs. With warm guidance from both facilitators, the act of stitching became less about technical perfection and more about personal expression.

By the time the workshop wrapped up at 3 pm, the collection of hoops displayed around the room formed a vibrant tapestry of shared and personal histories.

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Guided by two artists whose work bridges cultures across continents, the session stood out as a highlight of Hyderabad Art Week, proving that traditional handcraft can serve as both a compelling storytelling tool and a deeply calming creative refuge.

Celebrating Hyderabad Art Week 2026

This engaging workshop was part of the inaugural edition of Hyderabad Art Week, running from October 26 to November 1, 2026. The groundbreaking initiative unites the city’s key art galleries, cultural institutions, and creative spaces under one umbrella. Designed to democratize art and foster community engagement, the week-long festival brings together spaces like Dhi Contemporary, Kalakriti Art Gallery, Kadari Art Gallery, and Srishti Art Gallery alongside historic landmarks.

Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, open studios, and curated exhibitions, Hyderabad Art Week is transforming the city into a vibrant, interconnected canvas, inviting residents and visitors alike to slow down, create, and experience art in intimate, accessible ways.

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