Koyalagudam is the birthplace of Ikat weaving in South India. Here, Shankar Anna who has been weaving and dyeing for about 40 years creates his colours from natural elements around him, and experiments with various designs and patterns in his weaves. His designs have been worn in fashion shows and by political leaders such as Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. In all of South India he is the go to person to learn the best techniques of natural dyeing, people from across the world have trained under him. His home is a humble abode in Koyalagudam village where he works patiently all day. He aspires to set up bigger workshops, training more people and spreading natural dyes across the world.
Below is an exploration of the contrasting movements in handloom vs machine looms weaving the traditional Ikat.
