Weaving Labyrinths: Nandini Hasija’s Solo Art Exhibition Explores Identity and Motherhood

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

Twenty-two-year-old artist Nandini Hasija has presented her first solo exhibition, Weaving Labyrinths, at Triveni Gallery, located within the renowned Triveni Kala Sangam in New Delhi.

The exhibition, open until May 31, offers an intensely personal and autobiographical exploration of identity, shaped by the artist’s relationship with her adoptive mother.

An Artistic Journey Rooted in Personal History

Through her artworks, Nandini reflects on the emotional complexities of being abandoned by her biological mother and raised with unconditional love by her adoptive mother.

“My biological mom abandoned me, while my adoptive mom gave me all the love and respect a mother can give her child,” says Nandini. “Whenever I feel hurt about being abandoned, she reminds me that even Sita was abandoned.”

The exhibition features 15 graphite-on-paper drawings and five sculptures made from self-woven jute, each representing different phases of the artist’s emotional and personal journey.

A Tribute to a Mother’s Love

At its core, Weaving Labyrinths is a tribute to the resilience and strength of Nandini’s adoptive mother, who raised her with care and ensured that she never succumbed to self-pity or emotional distress.

“My mom nurtured me with all the love and care,” she says.

Through her work, Nandini attempts to discover and redefine her own identity, shaped by the deep bond she shares with her mother.

Art as a Reflection of Relationships

Nandini explains that her creative process mirrors the nurturing relationship she shares with her mother.

“This process of art making grants me a maternal relationship with the art object that mimics the relationship I have with my mother. It is the act of weaving myself through relationships—those which are mine and those I create—that gives me a secure yet dual sense of self,” she explains.

A distinctive feature of her work is the transformation of intertwined lines from two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional sculptural forms.

Drawings That Mirror Human Relationships

The 15 graphite drawings in the exhibition focus on lines and their relationships with one another. These lines intertwine, move toward each other, and sometimes drift apart—much like human relationships that constantly evolve between closeness and distance.

The repetitive yet spontaneous drawing process reflects the emotional immediacy of personal experiences.

Sculptures Symbolising Identity

The five jute sculptures represent the next stage of the artist’s exploration of identity. Using jute, Nandini symbolically portrays the shifting relationship between birth identity and adoptive identity. This eventually leads to their reconciliation.

The sculptures are displayed in three forms:

• Natural jute

• Fully dyed jute

• A combination of natural and dyed jute

Memories Woven into Art

One particularly meaningful aspect of the sculptures is the use of turmeric and milk to dye the jute. This one is inspired by a childhood memory.

“My mother applied a paste of turmeric and milk on my face during my adolescent years. This was  to cure sunburn,” Nandini recalls.

For the artist, jute becomes a powerful metaphor—earthy, raw, and deeply personal.

“Jute symbolises both my mother’s identity and my own sense of self. It is earthy and raw, just like my feelings. It also reminds me of the sari my mother often wore when I was growing up,” she says.

A Thought-Provoking Debut

With Weaving Labyrinths, Nandini Hasija presents a deeply reflective body of work that explores identity, motherhood, abandonment, and emotional healing.

Through drawings and sculptures, she transforms personal memories into powerful visual narratives. And through this she invites viewers to reflect on the complex bonds that shape our sense of self.