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“You cannot imagine creating a future without having a strong foundation of the past,” reflects Karishma Swali, Chairperson, Chanakya Foundation, Creative Director of Chanakya International and Chanakya School of Craft, recalling her father’s words from years ago. These words guide her as she advances the Foundation’s legacy.
Founded in 1984 by Vinod Shah, Chanakya International is dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s finest craftsmanship. Over the past four decades, it has grown from a small collective of 22 master artisans to a community of approximately 2,400, many of whom are 10th or 12th generation craftsmen. The vision behind Chanakya has always been to provide a medium of expression through craft, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and collective identity.
Karishma Swali with the artisans at the Chanakya School of Art in Mumbai
Preserving Tradition and Balancing Heritage and Modernity
Now in her 28th year of working with Indian crafts, Swali has witnessed many of the traditional crafts she holds dear fall into obsolescence. Her personal experience with the threat of losing these legacies has driven her commitment to preserving them. She recognizes the dual challenge of nurturing the skills and finding relevant patronage. “It’s not about me empowering artisans; they empower themselves, and it’s really a collective effort,” Swali explains.
Emphasising India’s tradition of craftsmanship, she notes the urgent need to honour and recognize these crafts for their survival. She underscores providing top facilities for master artisans, giving the next generation a reason to continue. Her primary concern is finding ways to keep crafts like hand embroidery alive, recognizing that the answers lie within the community.
Swali believes in creating environments that foster growth and collective responsibility. She feels fortunate that India still possesses these rich traditions, while many other countries have lost theirs. “It’s really up to all of us to collectively find ways to keep them alive,” she adds.
Reflecting on the ancient art of hand embroidery in the Indian subcontinent, Swali emphasises its role in connecting communities, cultures, and individuals. She asserts, “Embroidery is one of the most versatile forms of expression; with a needle, the possibilities are endless, depending on one’s foundation and imagination.” Swali highlights the significance of celebrating this art form, particularly in the context of the 60th International Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh who collaborated with Chanakya for ‘Cosmic Garden’ presentation at the Venice Biennale 2024
‘Cosmic Garden’ and Encounters at the Venice Biennale, 2024
The Chanakya Foundation in collaboration with artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh presented “Cosmic Garden,” a collateral event of the 60th International Art Exhibition—the Venice Biennale.
Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh, Karishma Swali notes an alignment of values that preceded their official collaborations. Manu Parekh has revitalised crafts and communities at the grassroots level for over 25 years, including projects with Madhubani painting and loom work in Orissa. Swali and the Parekhs share a commitment to viewing all mediums of expression as art, seeking to dismantle traditional hierarchies between art and craft.
Reflecting on impactful interactions at the Venice Biennale, Swali discusses a collaboration with the
Università Iuav di Venezia, engaging around 100 design students interested in traditional crafts. She remarks, “The enthusiasm shown by almost every single student to immerse themselves in and learn about craft was wonderful. It reinforces our commitment to preserving these arts globally.”
Another impactful encounter involved a group from the New Museum in America, moved by the exhibit and eager to bring the “Cosmic Garden” to the United States. This interest sparked discussions about creating a travelling exhibit to celebrate and share the collective cultural identity worldwide.
Behind-the-scenes making of ‘Cosmic Garden’ Embroidery: Connecting Cultures
Reflecting on the ancient art of hand embroidery in the Indian subcontinent, which dates back over 5,000 years to the Harappan civilization, Swali emphasises its role in connecting communities, cultures, and individuals. At the Chanakya School and Foundation, embroidery is revered as an exceptionally versatile form of expression.
Embroidery is one of the most versatile forms of expression; with a needle, the possibilities are endless, depending on one’s foundation and imagination,” Swali asserts. Highlighting the significance of celebrating this art form, she particularly notes its relevance in the context of the 60th International Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, with its theme, “Foreigners Everywhere,” resonating themes of inclusion and exclusion.
In recounting their experience at the Venice Biennale, Swali highlights the meticulous planning and teamwork that underpinned their approach. Despite being newcomers to the event, the overwhelmingly positive reception, with approximately 112,000 visitors in the initial days, affirmed their representation of Indian culture.
“It validated our purpose—to celebrate our culture and its richness”.
Artisans at work for ‘Cosmic Garden’ India’s Legacy and Collective Expression
Swali reflects on India’s limited representation at the Venice Biennale, noting its lack over the event’s 60-year history. She underscores the missed opportunities to showcase India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage on a global platform, highlighting the inseparable link between culture and art in India. “In India, you can’t separate culture and art; they always travel together,” she explains, underscoring the holistic nature of artistic expression in the country.
Contrasting the West’s emphasis on individual artistic journeys, Swali champions India’s tradition of collective expression through art. “Cosmic Garden,” their exhibit at the Biennale, played a crucial role in celebrating this aspect of Indian culture. “What we have as a subcontinent in terms of collective expression, in terms of being able to harness community culture through art, is something that the international community is now recognizing the importance of,” she observes, emphasising the exhibit’s contribution to this recognition.
Reflecting further on India’s artistic history, Swali explores the historical patronage of the arts in Indian royal courts. She emphasises how artisans, artists, and musicians were equally celebrated in these settings, fostering a rich cultural environment – “this is something so unique to us in India,” she asserts.
Nurturing Creativity and Expression
The complexity of fostering creativity underscores the interconnectedness of various factors. Advocating for collaborative environments, Swali sees her role as facilitating artisans’ self-empowerment rather than taking credit for it. She admits to learning from artisans daily, highlighting the mutual nature of their relationship.
In reflecting on the diversity of artistic disciplines, Karishma Swali highlights the development of unique voices through dedication and genuine expression. Notably, disciplines like textiles foster collective creativity, contributing to cultural sustainability. As a response to the present moment, Swali encourages individuals to fully immerse themselves in a chosen medium to find sincere self-expression, recognizing the impact of collective creativity on shaping cultural narratives and identities.
