C O N N E X I O N- From India to Charente through Circular Design

Curated by Parmeet Kaur

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This exhibition delves into the vibrant world of natural colours and their application across various media. Inspired by the historical links between India and France, Connexion brings together a diverse group of artists and designers committed to sustainability and innovation.

Our journey begins with indigo, known as the "blue gold," which once connected India and France through complex maritime trade routes. Since the 16th century, indigo was transported by sea from India to France, with Cognac emerging as a key port in this historical exchange. Today, this tradition is reimagined through the lens of contemporary circular design.

At the heart of the exhibition is the use of natural dyes, including Parmeet’s indigo fermentation process, which utilizes local resources from Cognac—vine leaves, oak, and barrel residues. This approach blends traditional craftsmanship with a modern circular design, creating a new narrative around sustainable practices and colours.

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Through the collaborative efforts of artisans working with textiles, wood, and bio-sourced materials, Connexion highlights the transformative potential of natural colours and circular practices. Visitors are invited to touch and feel the materials on display, immersing themselves in the sensory experience of natural colours, textures, and sustainable craftsmanship. This exhibition offers a tactile and visual journey, connecting heritage, sustainability, and innovative design.

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What Visitors Will Discover:

• Textiles and Natural Dyes: Explore fabrics dyed with natural pigments derived from local resources like vine leaves, oak, and Cognac barrel residues, curated by Parmeet Kaur. Discover how these materials link nature, tradition, and contemporary design.

• Indigo Dyeing Techniques: Through collaboration between Bkar (India) and Parmeet Kaur, learn how geographical factors such as water and climate shape colour variations in indigo-dyed textiles from India and Cognac.

• Weaving & Sustainable Slow Design: Engage with live weaving installations using local hemp and flax. These stations showcase the principles of slow design in action, allowing visitors to touch and explore the tactile qualities of sustainable fibers.

• Mycelium Innovation: Explore acoustic panels made from mycelium using reclaimed oak barrels, demonstrating how bio-sourced materials can be transformed into functional and artistic elements

 

Artists and Collaborators:

• Bkar (India): Natural indigo dyeing techniques with geographical influences on color variations.

• ÊKÔ - Laboratoire de Plis (Angoulême): Parmeet x ÊKÔ collaboration combining French haute couture silk pleating with Cognac's locally resourced plant-dyed silk

• Virgocoop (Caylus): Hemp-based weaving installation for sustainable textile production.

• Yves Bourreau: Master weaver blending French linen weaving traditions in a live loom installation.

• Mathias Heinisch x Parmeet: Indigo-dyed table creation using reclaimed wood.

• Isabelle Eckert x Parmeet: Traditional spinning techniques highlighted for a contemporary audience.

 

Invitation to Engage: Feel the textures of hemp, wood, and mycelium. Breathe in the earthy tones of oak and indigo. This is a tactile and visual journey that connects heritage, sustainability, and innovative design.