Lal Ded’s verses painted on Pashmina: Masood Hussain’s unique art peeks into Kashmir’s soul

In a unique artistic endeavor, Kashmiri artist Masood Hussain has breathed life into the verses of mystic Lal Ded, known as Lalleshwari, through vibrant Pashmina shawls. The exhibition, titled 'Lal Ded - Vaakhs of Silence', showcases 20 pieces created in a novel medium where dye never seeps into one another, preserving the intricate designs.

Hussain, a celebrated artist at 73, studied Lal Ded’s verses for a year before translating them into colour. The exhibition, a collaboration between artist Mujtaba Kadri and Hussain, began two years ago and is currently on display at the luxurious Maqam art studio in Srinagar. Kadri, a veteran in the pashmina business for 28 years, sees this as "art for Kashmir" that reconnects the region with its heritage amidst a tourist-driven market.

The exhibition aims to be more than visual art; it's an immersive experience where viewers can feel the texture and intricacy of the designs, a testament to Hussain's innovative technique. Spinning a pashmina thread takes 40 days, weaving takes nearly 15, and dyeing requires hours of steaming. The exhibition, which started in Srinagar, is set to tour beyond the Valley, further spreading the region's rich cultural legacy.