Hanging (toran panel) c. mid 20th century

This toran panel was made by Vagadia Rabari, and looking at it, I can imagine it took a while. The embroidery is built from countless tiny stitches, each one a little decision, a testament to the maker’s patience. It’s the kind of work that invites you to slow down, to really see. I like the way the embedded mirrors catch the light and throw it back at you. They add a literal sparkle, but also a sense of depth, like tiny portals. Look at how the triangles frame each circle, echoing the form, and creating a rhythm of shapes. The artist uses this repetition to create a harmony, with all those colours singing together like a choir. It reminds me of Sheila Hicks and her textile works - both artists pushing the boundaries of their medium. There’s a conversation happening across time, a reminder that art is always evolving, always responding.