Rahul Jain and Gunjan Arora seamlessly meld their expertise with artistic innovation, leading a dynamic team/collaborative known as Threadarte.
Threadarte, which began as an experiment in 2004, to deal with textile waste became the artist Rahul and Gunjan’s unique language that has only evolved in forms and matured in its sensibility with time. The artists as a practice collect and sort waste yarns from various sources and integrate them through manual process creating forms. They incorporate coloured and textured yarns, strips of artfully cut fabric, metallic threads and metals like steel, to create painterly installations. They delve in both abstract and figurative compositions and often blend metal filaments to add dimensions to their works. Over the years, these unique creations in this completely new medium became limitless and expansive, transcending the definitions of mediums already explored. Their works serve as a testament to the transformative power of stray threads, interweaving memories into renewed narrations and stories.
Their art has in fact kick-started a movement where textile, fashion and yarn industries have started to contribute their excess/waste yarns, thus making this a sustainable and environmentally friendly art. Being mindful of their role as artists, they have conscientiously cultivated a sustainable art practice, meticulously selecting materials and sources to avoid any negative environmental impact.
This artistic evolution has garnered them recognition through eight solo exhibitions and numerous group shows, both nationally and internationally. Their recent exhibitions include; ‘Iterum’, Art Centrix Space, New Delhi (2024); ‘Transience’, Architecture and Design, Mumbai (2022); India Design, New Delhi (2022, 2020, 2019, 2017 and 2016); ‘Fibre of Our Lives’ curated by Pranamita Borgohain, Gallery Art Positive, New Delhi (2021); among others. They have also been awarded the ‘Award of Excellence in the Field of Art’ under the ‘Make in India’ campaign in 2017. Beyond their careers as artists, Rahul and Gunjan also hold experience as curators, educationalists, consultants, researchers, textile and costume designers, and colour experts/therapists, adding unique dimensions to their artistic journey.