Symbolism, spirituality, and craft intersect at two ends of the world, spotlighting Estella Loomis McCandless Assistant Professor of Art Sharmistha Ray in the feminist collective Hilma’s Ghost.
Detroit
“Grace Under Fire,” a group show at The Shepherd in Detroit featuring Hilma’s Ghost, was recently reviewed in Newcity. Organized by Library Street Collective and The Bunker Artspace, the exhibition brought together over 40 artists to examine themes of healing amid global challenges, with two works by Hilma’s Ghost flanking the altar. “Churches have traditionally been places of refuge — sanctuaries in the literal sense,” writes K.A. Letts in the review. “That a space like the Shepherd remains so, even with the trappings of religious dogma stripped away, is a reminder that humans gather for mutual support in hard times, with hope for tomorrow and — against all odds — faith in the future.”
Mumbai
Hilma’s Ghost is newly featured in the group exhibition “Metamorphosis: Transformations in Art through Embroidery” at Milaaya Art Gallery, opening in Mumbai on November 12. Curated by Dr. Arshiya Lokhandwala, the featured pieces transform the collective’s symbols into richly embroidered tapestries by Milaaya Embroideries. The work of these skilled craftspersons not only showcase the richness of embroidery as an art form but the remarkable tradition and skills from India — including include Aari and Zardozi techniques, Satin stitch, Phulkari, Kutch embroidery, Kantha stitch and French Knots, amongst others. Following the gallery show, Hilma’s Ghost will also present the embroidered works at Art Mumbai, running from November 14-17.
