Phulkari, an embroidery technique from the Punjab region; ’Phul’ (flower) ‘kari’ (work) floral work. More than a beautiful embroidered cloth, but an essential component of the life of a Punjabi woman, a traditional and powerful symbol of Punjabi cultural identity. Phulkaris were forms of ancestral maps, documenting the daily lives and social relationships of the makers. These textiles became visual diaries, full of symbolism and significance. The following pieces are contemporary interpretations of Phulkari, addressing issues of identity, heritage and displacement.
