Suthra 2025: Where art, culture and expression unite for a month

Kozhikode, Kerala: Art and craft have long been a canvas for freedom of expression, offering a window into contemporary society while preserving cultural heritage. This philosophy comes to life at Suthra, an international weaving and craft workshop by Tasara currently underway in Beypore, Kozhikode. Bringing together around 100 distinguished artists from 150 countries, this event serves as a melting pot of creativity, where artistic talents are not just displayed but celebrated.

One of the participating artists, Hariram from Bangalore, shared his experience at Suthra. “I was invited by the organiser of the event Tasara Vasudevan to be part of Suthra 25, and at first, I wasn’t sure how my abstract painting style would fit in. On the first day, I did batik painting, and by the second day, he asked me to work on mural painting on a panel using acrylic on canvas. To make my work more relatable, I incorporated elements from nature, such as coconut trees and elephants, blending them into figurative abstraction. Though I left the interpretation open, the final piece resonates with colonial undertones. I might stay here for one more week to continue my work,” he said. 

For artists like Vegeena from Germany, Suthra is an immersive and inspiring experience. “This is my second time here, and it’s an absolute delight. Unlike other exhibitions, this workshop allows me to dedicate my entire day to a single piece of art. The exposure to fellow artists and their work is truly inspiring.”

Another artist, Virginia from Italy, spoke about her work, which explores the use of female energy in the world to prevent war. While discussing the expo, she said, "this is my second visit to Tasara, and it is becoming more interesting. More works are being produced, and it's a great testament to how many people are actively working here at the moment."

The event, which has been running for the past 35 years, has witnessed an evolution in its scale and impact. “Last year, we hosted over 415 artists from 46 countries. However, due to inability to afford, this year we have about 50 participants from 21 countries,” said Tasara Vasudevan. “Our primary goal remains to highlight the relevance of the art and craft sector and ensure that the younger generation stays connected to it. Moreover, we aim to build an international community bonded by creativity. The artists will be here for a month, and their works will be showcased to the public.”

Suthra continues making art not just a personal journey but a global dialogue of culture, craftsmanship, and expression, and will conclude on February 15.