A vibrant textile art project created by five women from Govandi has earned a prestigious spot at the ongoing Kochi Muziris Biennale in Kerala. This project, titled Har Gully, Ek Gaon, offers a colorful visual journey through their neighborhood, blending reality with aspiration.
From Simple Exercise to National Exhibition
The initiative began as a simple mapping exercise. The women traced the routes they regularly took from their homes to a local community space called Awaz. What started as a basic activity soon transformed into a detailed artistic record. It captures the shared history of Govandi, documenting both what currently exists and what the residents hope to see in the future.
This textile project was originally part of the recently concluded Govandi Arts Festival. It was selected for display in the Students' Biennale section alongside three photography works by local youth. The recognition at Kochi Muziris Biennale, India's longest-running contemporary art exhibition, marks a significant achievement for these community artists.
Stitching Together Reality and Dreams
Samira Khan, a 38-year-old participant, shared her personal connection to the craft. She began working with textiles to support her family after her father's passing. "I always enjoyed stitching, design, and zardozi thread work," Khan explained. For this project, the women were initially asked to draw what they see in their neighborhood.
"We started by mapping the shops, vegetable stalls, schools, and clinics we encounter daily," Khan said. "But then we began thinking about what we wish was here—like better roads, a good hospital, and more open spaces. We mapped those aspirations too, using our threadwork and embroidery."
Ruksana Qureshi, another participant aged 45, described the collaborative spirit. She got involved while dropping her daughter off at a creative arts program. "I've done needlework for years and even have an Instagram page for my work, but this felt special. Collaborating with other women to collectively show our neighborhood—the good and the not-so-good—was unique. We are thrilled that it will be exhibited in another city for many to see," she expressed.
A Community Effort Takes Shape
Originally, over twenty women joined the project, but eventually, five continued to completion. Alongside Samira Khan, the final team included Afsana Shaikh, Ruksana Qureshi, Rubina Shaikh, and Shaheen Shaikh. They worked diligently twice a week for two months, each creating separate textile pieces that were later patched together into a complete installation.
Artist resident Koshy Brahmatmaj provided supervision throughout the process. Some women even took their pieces home to work on them alongside their daily chores. The final artwork became part of a larger showcase at the Govandi Arts Festival, which featured installations, murals, and exhibitions exploring local themes like food traditions, sports, and comparisons with village life.
The Govandi Arts Festival: A Platform for Expression
The second edition of the Govandi Arts Festival took place in December 2025 at the Natwar Parekh Compound in Govandi. This community-led initiative actively involved local residents as creators, including rappers, performance artists, theatre artists, short filmmakers, and photographers.
Natasha Sharma, co-founder and curator of the festival, highlighted its purpose. "Govandi has a history of people being resettled here after displacement due to various projects. The Arts Festival, first held in 2023 and now in 2025, aims to give people here a space to express themselves actively, not as passive participants," she stated.
The selection of Har Gully, Ek Gaon for the Kochi Biennale underscores the power of community art. It transforms personal stories and collective hopes into a tangible, celebrated form, bridging local narratives with a national audience.
