Otago Museum has unveiled its latest exhibition, The Six Yards Sisterhood, an innovative showcase by Rekha Shailaj, a Senior Lecturer in Fashion at Otago Polytechnic and an emerging force in zero-waste design. Shailaj’s work captures the essence of the sari, reinterpreting its legacy as both a piece of art and an emblem of evolving cultural identity. Set to open on 31 October in the Beautiful Science Gallery, the exhibition coincides with Diwali, the vibrant Indian festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
Shailaj, who has spent over three decades exploring the sari’s essence, draws deeply from her own heritage in India and life in New Zealand, blending the rich colours and textures of traditional Indian aesthetics with elements inspired by New Zealand’s modern design. Her collection is an intersection of cultural storytelling, bringing together shimmering silks, delicate chiffons, and bold georgettes that celebrate the sari’s ability to adapt and transcend boundaries. From floor-to-ceiling projected images to twelve striking saris, each piece reveals the sari’s journey as more than a garment – a bridge between tradition and transformation.
“Indian culture is so bright and vibrant,” Shailaj shares. “And the sari, especially with Diwali as our backdrop, is the perfect symbol of that energy. This exhibition also explores saris that speak to a Western journey, representing my own experiences and the influence of New Zealand’s design landscape.”
Craig Scott, Exhibition Designer at Tūhura Otago Museum, emphasises the unique energy the exhibition brings to the space, stating that the collection’s vibrancy is a fitting tribute to Indian culture. The Six Yards Sisterhood highlights this dynamic relationship between the personal and the cultural, showcasing the sari’s evolution as it adapts to new landscapes and identities.
Open to the public until 23 February 2025, the exhibition offers a fresh lens on the sari as both timeless and contemporary, inviting visitors to appreciate a garment steeped in history yet ever-evolving.
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