Modern Sari Exhibition to Arrive at Birmingham Arts Centre

A traveling exhibit showcasing modern and innovative saris, including designs made from denim and steel threads, is set to arrive in Birmingham this June. The Offbeat Sari exhibition will be displayed at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) from June 28 to November 2.

The exhibit features nearly 60 saris from the last 15 years, including a replica of a foil-like garment designed for Lady Gaga, saris worn by a women’s vigilante group in India, and those worn by a skateboarder in Canada.

Reimagining the Sari

Priya Khanchandani, the lead curator of the show, pointed out that in the UK, the sari is often seen as something worn for special events or by older generations. However, she emphasized that it is not limited to these occasions. According to Khanchandani, the sari is a dynamic garment that continues to evolve, with many younger women experimenting with new designs.

Showcasing Diversity

The exhibit is the result of collaboration with London’s Design Museum and will be the only other stop in the UK after its success in Birmingham. Some of the notable pieces include a luxurious sari worn by Lady Gaga, designed by Mumbai-born fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani using foil jersey fabric. Another highlight is a pink sari worn by members of the Gulabi Gang, a women’s vigilante group from Uttar Pradesh, India. This group, formed in the early 2000s, uses the pink sari as part of their uniform, symbolizing their fight for justice.

Sari Stories

Alongside the main exhibition, the MAC is hosting Sari Stories, where people from across the Midlands share their personal memories and experiences with wearing saris. The show includes videos and examples demonstrating the evolving styles of draping the garment, including a sari draped like a hoodie.

Khanchandani explained that the sari, being a single unstitched piece of cloth, is highly adaptable and malleable, making it a versatile garment for both fashion designers and everyday women to experiment with. This exhibition not only highlights its rich history but also showcases the sari’s modern transformations.