The much-acclaimed exhibition Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route offered an enriching experience celebrating India’s maritime heritage through art, culture, and craft traditions.
Organized by Dravidam and curated by renowned art expert Jaya Mani, the exhibition, held at India Habitat Centre, provided visitors a distinctive opportunity to explore the cultural bonds between coastal regions of South Asia, particularly Odisha and other maritime communities, through artistic expressions.
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The exhibition was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (2018–2024).
Among the distinguished visitors was Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and former Chief Minister of Odisha, who appreciated the initiative to highlight India’s seafaring past. “The exhibition draws inspiration from connecting threads of art and culture between coastal regions of South Asia, Odisha and other coastal states. I thank noted mural artist Suresh Muthukulam and textile artist Gunjan Jain for showcasing this fine ensemble, which sails through centuries of art, culture, and rich handloom traditions to relive our glorious seafaring heritage,” he remarked.
The showcase featured the creative collaboration between textile artist Gunjan Jain, celebrated for her innovative work with Odisha’s Ikat and handwoven traditions, and Kerala’s leading mural artist, Suresh Muthukulam.
Their partnership, which began in 2022, drew inspiration from the ocean as both theme and canvas, incorporating motifs of mythical sea creatures across textiles, paintings, rice paper, canvas, and wooden sculptures. Together, their work narrates the shared histories of coastal communities and maritime trade.
At the preview, curator Jaya Mani stated, “Gunjan Jain’s deep engagement with Odisha’s weaving traditions and Suresh Muthukulam’s openness to explore new mediums created an extraordinary dialogue. The theme of maritime voyages became the perfect anchor to bring together weaving and painting.”
The preview evening saw a vibrant turnout of art enthusiasts and cultural patrons, including Rajeev Sethi, designer and scenographer; Rema Kumar, textile revivalist; artist Neerja Peter; Ruchika Chanana; Neelam Suberwal, among others. Visitors engaged closely with the artworks, appreciating how weaving and mural painting came together to reflect centuries of shared heritage along coastal shores.
The exhibition’s conclusion yesterday marked not just the end of a showcase but also a celebration of India’s enduring maritime legacy, an artistic journey that connected shores, traditions, and generations while reviving a rich history of seafaring communities.
