INTRICATE STORIES ON PRINT

Beneath the vintage charm of the Madras Literary Society, nestled among the towering bookshelves, an intimate gathering of art enthusiasts, storytellers, and cultural explorers came together for a special occasion: a block-printing workshop led by First Nations Australian artists Aunty Deanna, Aunty Lynette, and Jacob Boehme.

- AASHNA REDDY

This wasn't just a workshop—it was a journey through stories, symbols, and an ancestral connection that transcended continents.

The afternoon began with a circle of chairs drawn close, bringing the artists and attendees into a shared space of respect and curiosity. After acknowledging India's ancestors with a minute of silence, the artists introduced themselves. Then, in a gesture of inclusivity, they invited each participant to introduce themselves, not just by name but by lineage—encouraging them to share their ancestry and origins. The responses were as diverse as the city itself, ranging from Chennai and Tamil Nadu's southernmost districts to Kerala, Amritsar, Assam, and even distant lands like Spain, New Zealand, and China. When one participant confessed they'd never asked about their ancestry, the room burst into laughter, lightening the solemnity with a shared warmth.