Kirandeep Grewal, a multi-disciplinary artist based in Canberra, brings a vibrant energy to her work, which spans silk art, textiles, and ink drawings. Drawing inspiration from Australia’s landscapes and her travels across the globe, Grewal crafts wearable art from hand-dyed silk, infusing her creations with freedom, movement, and light. Each piece reflects her respect for the environment, as she employs eco-friendly dyeing methods to reduce waste and preserve resources.
Her approach blends traditional techniques learned from artisans worldwide with her unique vision. Freehand embroidery and detailed needlework often enhance her designs, merging thread and texture into striking compositions. Beyond silk, Grewal’s work in textiles and pen-and-ink art captures her reflections on human connection and life’s intricate journeys. Her art tells stories, each piece inviting viewers to explore themes of respect, care, and personal growth. Let’s explore two of her key works, Soar and Mayura.
Soar: Embroidered Reflections on Respect
Created in 2021, Soar is a textile piece crafted with hand embroidery on linen using DMC threads, measuring 44 x 33 x 2 cm. This artwork grew from Grewal’s contemplation during the March4Justice movement, which prompted her to delve into the concept of respect. For Grewal, respect is intertwined with care, attentiveness, and the ability to empower others.
The artwork illustrates a poignant moment between siblings. A younger child dreams of riding a “big swing,” and the older sibling listens, offering a solution and teaching the younger one how to succeed independently. Through this interaction, the younger sibling discovers newfound confidence and the joy of accomplishment.
The textured embroidery captures the essence of this narrative. Each stitch embodies a thread of care, patience, and growth, with the linen serving as a natural canvas that complements the theme. Soar offers a glimpse into how small acts of listening and support can leave a lasting impact, fostering not only a sense of belonging but also the courage to achieve.
Mayura: Life’s Journey in Delicate Lines
In Mayura, a pen-and-ink drawing on archival paper, Grewal explores life’s travels and the stories we accumulate along the way. This large-scale piece, measuring 72 x 91 x 2 cm, centers on a dancing peacock—a timeless symbol of elegance and resilience.
The intricate details of the peacock’s design invite close observation. Its tail feathers, adorned with delicate patterns, serve as a visual chronicle of life’s milestones and experiences. Each line reflects a moment, a memory, or a journey, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative.
The peacock’s dance captures the rhythm of life—fluid, unpredictable, and full of movement. Grewal’s choice of pen and ink emphasizes the permanence of these experiences, while the archival paper ensures the artwork’s durability, preserving its story for future generations. With Mayura, she creates a reminder that life is as much about the paths traveled as the destinations reached.
Weaving Stories with Art
Kirandeep Grewal’s work bridges personal experience and universal themes, offering a window into the transformative power of connection and self-discovery. Her ability to translate meaningful moments into visual forms—whether through the softness of embroidered linen or the precision of pen and ink—reflects her dedication to storytelling and craftsmanship.
Each piece is a reflection of her journey, a synthesis of her global experiences, and her connection to the natural world. Through her art, she invites viewers to reflect on their own stories, the relationships that shape them, and the moments that define their paths.
Grewal’s commitment to sustainable practices and traditional techniques adds another layer of depth to her creations, ensuring they resonate not just visually but ethically. Her work is more than an artistic expression—it’s a dialogue between cultures, a tribute to shared human experiences, and a celebration of the interconnectedness of life.
