ধারা: Echoes of Flow [dhārā]

Dhārā [flow of a stream] is an artisan-artist residency rooted in Sonargaon, a historic weaving hub along the Shitalakshya River in Bangladesh. Here, Jamdani weaving endures as a time-honored art form, its legacy carried forward by generations of artisans. Within this setting, Dhārā emerges as a translocal platform, inviting artists from Bangladesh and the diaspora to engage in a learning exchange with the master weavers of Sonargaon.

The residency finds its foundation in the partnership with Sonia Jamdani Ghar, a family-run weaving manufacturer led by master weaver Md. Alem Mia and his son, Md. Rajon Mia. Through this immersive residency, artists step into the world of Jamdani—learning its poetic language from the hands of artisans. They partake in each meticulous step of the process, from the delicate separation of yarn to the rhythmic precision of the loom.

Dhārā envisions Jamdani weaving as a shared language that transcends time, borders, and class. It is about reimagining weaving as an evolving dialogue of cultural identity, ecological awareness, and social continuity. By connecting artisans with artists, Dhārā creates an intangible-tangible hub where weaving is reclaimed as a medium of social cohesion.

Each participant brings a unique perspective, expanding the conceptual scope of weaving through a multidisciplinary dialogue. Whether through textile, film, digital media, or design, the residency nurtures an ongoing exchange between past and future, anchored in a decolonial and anti-classist ethos, where weavers and artists collaborate as co-creators.

UNESCO has inscribed “The Traditional Art of Jamdani Weaving” on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, Jamdani holds Geographical Indication (GI) status in Bangladesh, safeguarding its heritage and ensuring equitable recognition for artisan communities.

The five artists and artisans are exhibiting their pieces, embedded in their process documentation, together in Dhaka at Paraa Shala and Berlin at _Subkontintent under the title “Loomscape”.

Artisans and artists-in-residence: Anika Alamin & Md. Amir Hossen, Heeva Raza, Lamees Rahman, Nazrul Islam & Md. Amir Hossain, Shohrab Jahan, Jubair & Zakir Hossain, Tasleema Alam, Md. Rajon Mia, Md. Jahangir Hossain

Partners: Jackie Corlett (curriculum), Ruxmini Reckvana Q Choudhury (advisor, Dhaka), Swilin Haque (assistant curator, Dhaka), Adeline Chimento (exhibition design, Berlin), Mayka von May (assistant curator, Berlin), Simone Simonato (textile mentor).