Selina Daswani
Textiles
Final year project
The Mathematical Sounds of Kathak [Read more]
The Mathematical Sounds of Kathak S/S 22
Ghungroos
Modern Kathak is a combination of traditional storytelling techniques through expressive, explosive movements and an intellectual, pattern-based approach to rhythm. This juxtaposition within the origins of the dance is visible in the performance as well. There are phases of elegance and tranquillity interlaced with sharp, percussive footwork, all emphasized by ghungroos, the ankle bells.
Ghungroos
Ghungroos have two main advantages, auditory and visual appeal. The auditory aspect of the ghungroos is generated by the rhythmic footwork. These rhythms come from Carnatic music. The rhythmic patterns specific to dance are formed using mnemonic syllables called ‘bols’. ‘Yati’ is the mathematical patterning of musical notes and is part of the science of rhythm in Indian dance and music, designed on the canvas of time and space.
Embroidered Lines Inspired by Yati
Cutwork Intersecting Sound Waves
Embroidered Nets
White on White Embroidery Origami Tesselation
Sound Waves - Moire Effect on Chiffon and Organza
Selina Daswani
As an avid student of Integrated Digital Practice, I enjoy being innovative, using a blend of my cultural heritage with that of my western influenced upbringing. This provides me with the depth of the two cultures and the creativity within them. I believe that the world can achieve harmony when we appreciate the various cultures and the power of creativity of human beings.
My graduate collection is about the sounds and the maths of Kathak, a traditional North Indian classical dance style. Exploring the connection between maths and kathak, a combination of two subjects that I have always been passionate about. I have practised Kathak from a young age and it has an important, personal connection to my cultural heritage. Mathematics is a subject that has always fascinated me. Specifically, in terms of art and design. Mathematical formulas and theories can be found everywhere. I have previously undertaken projects looking at these two concepts separately however, for this final project, I have decided to blend the concepts.
The muse for this collection is a female kathak dancer in her mid-twenties. At this age, they would have usually finished studying the dance and achieved an ‘Arangetram’ – the debut performance of a former dance student. These are lavish affairs with the performance followed by celebrations. This collection is a homage to the dance and perfect attire for a function of this nature. It is visualised as a womenswear spring/summer ready-to-wear collection with the designs being a blend of eastern and western fashion. I hope to pursue a career in the textiles industry and expand my knowledge of embroidery, and digital practices gained at Loughborough University.
Final year project
The Mathematical Sounds of Kathak
Work Experience
October 2019 - April 2020
Hand and Lock - Intern and Events
Working independently and as part of a team, I gained experience with digital embroidery machines, including setting up, and maintenance. I worked on various restoration projects, goldwork, and beaded samples. I also took the opportunity to work on social media posts, marketing, and the website alongside working at events.
July 2019 - September 2019
Y-Heels - Intern (Part-Time)
Y-Heels is a start-up firm for a new, innovative heeled shoe design. I worked closely with the founder to assist in designing the first collection and finding appropriate fabric samples. I created a booklet detailing the product and showing visualisations of the collection for potential investors and factory meetings using the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign).
July 2019 - September 2019
Lauren Shanley - Coin Street Community Builders – Intern
Lauren Shanley is an independent fashion and textile designer. I worked with Lauren in her shop and studio, creating collaged textiles covered in free-machine embroidery. We worked on a domestic and industrial sewing machine. There was an opportunity to work on jewellery and do some hand embellishment and beading.