Inspired By Bell Hooks, This Homegrown Capsule Collection Is A Love Letter To Revolution

Differentiating between personal politics and electoral politics is not one that is part of the modern educational system. They function more often than not, as an avenue for hegemony. But if one stays open to the notion of questioning and unlearning, personal politics are often what save us from the worst of the world. Bell Hooks, the revolutionary theorist and writer is someone whose work delves extensively into this and talks of how the very notion of love itself is political. 

Jasna Moidu, the founder of the fashion label Tree by JM came together with Anuradha Bhaumick, the renowned textile artist known as Hooplaback.girl to create a collection of 6 pieces for the first edition of the project ‘Knots of Liberation’. As a label, Tree has always been one that has stayed true to an ethos of conscious production, and consumption, as well as relentlessly championing for inclusivity. With the intent to bring ideas of revolution and political thought into one’s daily life, the label hopes to continue partnering with artists who share the same values to create more capsule collections of unique wearable art. 

This first edition is inspired by the aforementioned book by Bell Hooks and features 6 unisex handwoven shirts that feature intricate embroidery and a host of beautiful details. According to the label, “No amount of writing about art can justify the emotions it will bring forth in the beholder’s eyes. Knots (notes) of Liberation is a love letter that embodies an artist’s version of a piece of art that is out there - profound and purposeful.”

Engaging deeply with Bell Hook’s theories, each design is a singular piece that captures the embodying concept or message. The wearable art when paired with the words and imagery creates a beautiful statement. 

“Without justice, there can be no love” - the concept that justice is the foundation of love is one of the most well-known quotes from Bell Hooks and the first piece from the collection effectively captures the notion of the need for fairness and equity as being essential in forming meaningful connections. The second piece which includes a portrait of Bell Hooks crafted from scrap fabric and embroidery talks of how love is profoundly political. The intersection of love and politics is the crux of the book and is depicted beautifully through this. Envisioning a world where freedom is for all, the third piece draws from the line, "Our freedom is sweet. It will be sweeter when we all are free," and talks about collective liberation.

Reiterating the notion of how love is profoundly political, the fourth piece features an acrylic hand-painted patch and glass embellishments, while standing for the revolutionary power of love’s political aspects. With almost an art-collage-like appeal, the fifth piece from the capsule collection is a shirt with felt poppies and glass beads, that celebrates love’s ability to inspire resilience through the notion of how ‘love empowers us to live fully and die fully.’ Last but definitely not least, the sixth piece of the collection features an inspired portrait of the revolutionary writer and theorist. The details of the shirt include a hand-painted acrylic base and a combination of various hand-embroidery details. 

The 6 pieces that merge art, fashion and activism are now available on Tree by JM's website and prices are available on request. 

You can follow Tree by JM here.

You can follow Anuradha Bhaumick here.

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