Villa Swagatam, a platform for cultural exchanges between French and Indian artists, designers and writers, recently hosted Yassine Bablzioui, a French Moroccan Multidisciplinary Visionary at Kalhath Institute in Lucknow.
His artistic repertoire predominantly encompasses painting and drawing, employing a neo-expressionist approach. His approach showcases the essence of Villa Swagatam’s commitment to reciprocity and the exchange of creative excellence.
“Through my work, I intended to play a game of “ping-pong” with the craftsmen: I started a drawing – ink interventions on the fabric – then the artisans embroidered it, and I transformed the drawing again, and so on throughout the creative process. The starting point is a bestiary that is half human half animal, freely inspired by fairy tales, but also by the history of Lucknow city, as well as its embroidery techniques.” says Yassine.
Villa Swagatam — a network of local partners across the two countries — aims to strengthen the dialogue between France and India in the fields of literature, performing arts, and arts & craft.
Throughout this first year, the residencies are happening exclusively in India, in 16 different locations which have in common expertise on Indian art forms (embroidery, puppetry, dance, illustrated books) as well as an ability to interact with local key players.
Yassine’s residency at The Kalhath Institute, founded in 2016 by Maximiliano Modesti and Mohammed Amine Dadda, marks a unique collaboration between the world of art and craft. The institute, based in Lucknow, specialises in hand embroidery, encompassing techniques like Zardosi and Ari, passed down through generations.
