A fascinating artwork – made with a pinch of rice flour – will be created inside Huddersfield’s Byram Arcade on Saturday October 16 (noon-2pm).
Kōlam, an artform which comes from India, will be demonstrated by Preethi Ravichandran, a post-graduate at the University of Huddersfield.
The installation is part of the Historic England Huddersfield High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Cultural Programme led by Chol Theatre.
Preethi is currently studying for an MA by research in the Centre for Cultural Ecologies at the university. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including recently as part of the Sangam Festival.
The artwork will be created on the floor in part of Byram Arcade with rice flour using traditional kōlam patterns.
As part of the event, which will run from midday to 2pm, the artist will provide an introduction to the artform.
Members of the public can then watch the creation of the work, and learn more about Preethi’s art and research from displays and additional information.
Creating kōlam patterns is a daily ritual among Tamil Hindu women living in Tamil Nadu, in south-eastern India.
It is created by taking a pinch of flour between finger and thumb, and letting it fall in a continuous line to create the desired patterns. These are drawn on the floor and at the door of houses, businesses and temples.
The Byram Arcade Kōlam will include references to the lion from Lion Chambers in St George’s Square, the Ramsden Crest and Byram Arcade.
A colouring sheet of the Byram Arcade kōlam will also be available at the event, to colour in there or take away as a memento.
This event is being organised and managed by Communities Together. It is the latest in the extensive HSHAZ Cultural Programme centred around St George’s Square, part of the Historic England and Kirklees Council funded four-year Huddersfield HSHAZ (2020-24) which focuses on the renovation of two key buildings – the George Hotel and Estate Buildings.
Preethi said: “I grew up with these beautiful kōlam patterns every day, hence it has naturally been my primary subject for my research.
“There are different types of kōlams, called by various names communally and regionally in India. But fundamentally, it symbolises happiness, auspiciousness, prosperity and divinity.
“Perhaps what is most striking about kōlam is that much of the time it is ephemeral, transitory and impermanent. I am proud to be able to make, introduce and display this traditional artform and thank the HSHAZ organisers for making me a part of the programme.”
Dr Tosh Warwick, Huddersfield HSHAZ Cultural Programme co-ordinator, said: “By bringing new activities and artistic outputs to the heart of Huddersfield in St George’s Square area, the HSHAZ programme is creating new ways for people to engage with and experience the town’s historic spaces.
“We hope that this first of three artist commissions will create new interest in the project and inspire future artworks based on Huddersfield rich cultural and migration heritage.”
More information on the Huddersfield HSHAZ can be found at https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/heritage-action-zones/huddersfield/.
