2024 - Radiant Weave

DESIGN INTENT

Inspired by the vibrant and symbolic jhallar, a traditional fabric drapery that adorns the rooftops of temples in the Kathmandu Valley, this installation seeks to capture the essence of Nepali culture, spirituality, and community pride. The jhallar, a rich red cloth, is more than just a decorative element; it is a symbol of beauty, elegance, and devotion, representing the community’s reverence towards the divine. This installation aims to extend these cultural values into the urban landscape, transforming a narrow street in Kathmandu into a sacred and visually captivating pathway.

Suspended approximately four meters above the bustling pedestrian street, this fabric canopy will weave through the narrow confines of Kathmandu, creating an enchanting play of light and shadow. The installation will use a combination of translucent polyester mesh and ripstop nylon, chosen for their durability and light-diffusing properties. These materials will emulate the delicate yet resilient nature of the jhallar, ensuring longevity and resistance to the elements.

Strategically placed solar rods will support the canopy, providing structural integrity and integrating lighting that enhances the fabric’s natural glow. These rods, mimicking the poles that often hold the jhallar, will create a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The interplay of natural sunlight filtering through the fabric during the day and the soft illumination from solar-powered LEDs at night will create a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

This installation is more than a decorative piece; it is a cultural statement. By echoing the jhallar’s presence in the urban environment, it invites pedestrians to walk beneath a canopy that celebrates Nepali spirituality and artistic expression. Each step under this canopy is meant to evoke the same reverence and admiration that one feels when approaching a temple adorned with a jhallar. It is a pathway of light, shadow, and devotion, reflecting the community’s connection to their heritage and the divine.

CONCLUSION

”Jhallar – A Canopy of Devotion and Light” is an artistic tribute to the cultural richness of the Kathmandu Valley. It transforms a narrow urban street into a sacred passage, celebrating the elegance and spiritual significance of the jhallar. This installation invites the community and visitors alike to experience the beauty and devotion that define Nepali culture, under a canopy that both honors and reinterprets tradition.

This design brief aims to encapsulate the profound inspiration behind the installation, creating a space that is not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in cultural symbolism and communal pride.