Exhibition of 20th Century Latin American fabrics

‘The Geometry of Hand’ - an exhibition of 20^th Century fabrics from Latin America is now on at the Barefoot Gallery and will continue till November 28. The fabrics are the personal collection of Deshika Van Haght (nee de Silva).

Having moved to the US for her higher studies after her schooling at Ladies’ College Colombo, Deshika during her 40 years there, travelled extensively in Latin America – particularly in Guatemala, Peru and Mexico. Her travels and work as a Gallery director fostered her love for the rich fabrics and crafts of these countries.

Guatamalan Huipile fabrics are a major part of her collection. Weaving, she says, is a big part of the Guatemalan culture and the choice of patterns can identify from which district the weaver hails.

 Mexican textiles have existed from 1400 BCE using fibres from the yucca, palm and maguey plants and cotton. The Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire brought silk, wool and looms from Europe.

Peruvian textiles are made from the wool of the alpacas and llamas with the tradition dating back to 1000 BCE.

Deshika hopes her exhibition will kindle an interest in this less travelled region by Sri Lankans.

The exhibition is open at the Barefoot Gallery from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily