anusuya
krishnaswamy

Vantage Shift describes the many hand towels and dishcloths that line my kitchen counters, stuffed into handles, the surfaces made haphazard and distorted in their moments of constant use. I drew inspiration from two aspects: One was the presence of stripes or checks in the surface patterns and weave structures contained in all of my kitchen clothes. On the other hand, I also my textile wanted to recall the texture of those cloths meant for cleaning, that piled surface of microfibre, that I felt was integral to the function of these cloths.

​

Working with twill variations, the diagonal lines switch directions in the different colour areas to create a sense of distorted movement, and making the pattern cross in jagged lines. The yarns and the light felting done post-weaving create a distinct yet warm surface tactility.

​

​Hand towels hang around all stiff and regular, like a damp and crowded clothesline. Stuffed into handles and scattered on the countertop. The checks and stripes, and woven waffles all fold and turn across the days, crumpled with damp hands, laid over chairs. Gathering so many wrinkles, they began to hold shape, like frozen dancers. From my vantage point, they remain comforting in their position, a backdrop. There are so many of them in the kitchen, clashing in this little space. They shift and move amongst themselves, seeming to be in a game of musical chairs. If I was asked, I would not be able to pick a favourite.