Venice is hosting a special exhibition called Cosmic Garden at the Biennale Arte 2024. It’s a collaboration between Dior, the Chanakya School of Craft, and Indian artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh.

This show is all about how traditional craftsmanship can be part of modern art. It started with a Dior collection in 2022 and now includes paintings and sculptures that mix old techniques with new ideas. Karishma Swali from the Chanakya School of Craft talks about working with Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri for 25 years. They wanted to show that crafts aren’t just about tradition; they can be modern and powerful too.

The artworks took a lot of time and skill to make. Some used up to 32 different handcraft techniques and took as long as 16,000 hours to finish. They’re made from natural stuff like linen and silk, and they’re meant to be more than just pretty—they’re about mixing art and craft together. Madhvi Parekh’s art is full of imagination, with gods and goddesses from Indian stories. Manu Parekh’s work is more about feelings and abstract ideas, inspired by Indian spirituality.

The exhibition is in the Rialto district at the Salone Verde – Art & Social Club. It’s put together by Maria Alicata and Paola Ugolini and supported by Dior. You can check out Cosmic Garden from April 20 to November 24, 2024. It’s open from 10 am to 6 pm.