Crocheting has been a decoration style for many years. But when one talks about crocheting a night shelter it has to be the work of Olek.
The famous Polish crochet artist was in the Capital to participate in the St+art Delhi Street Art Festival organised by a non-government organisation by the same name undertook crocheting the shelter or rain basera at Sarai Kale Khan with help from around 50 women from different walks of life –– students, professionals and homemakers, etc. Her work titled “You must believe that you have received” intends to touch the lives of thousands of homeless people by drawing society’s attention to temporary night shelters which have been set up throughout the city and also explore women empowerment issues.
The women volunteers who attended the artist’s workshop were initially made to crochet hearts, butterflies and other designs which were to form part of a larger artwork. The designs made too were symbolic like the butterflies depict the free and empowered women.
The huge shelters required fabric in large volumes which was supplied by Tarun Tahiliani and Manish Arora.
During her 17-day trip to India, Olek was enchanted with the Indian culture and draped herself in a sari. “The Indian culture is very rich and I like the food, dresses, and specially mehendi,” said the artist, adding that she enjoyed working day and night on the project. “I wish the trip could have been for two months at least.”
Appreciating the Government’s efforts, Arjun Bahl, the festival director said: “The government has done a lot for the homeless but people are not aware about it. This initiative is to do so.”
