Tūhura Otago Museum Unveils – The Six Yards Sisterhood: A Contemporary Exploration of the Sari
Tūhura Otago Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest exhibition, The Six Yards Sisterhood, on Thursday, 31 October, in the Museum’s Beautiful Science Gallery. Coinciding with the start of Diwali, the Indian “Festival of Lights” which begins at 11:22 PM the same day, this exhibition offers a unique and timely celebration of Indian culture.
The Six Yards Sisterhood presents contemporary reinterpretations of the sari, a traditional indigenous garment of India, through the visionary work of Rekha Shailaj. A Senior Lecturer in Fashion at Otago Polytechnic and a Ph.D. candidate at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts, Shailaj is a dedicated zero-waste fashion practitioner. Her exhibition not only showcases the sari’s historical significance but also reimagines itsrole in a multicultural, hybrid context, highlighting its evolution as a symbol of cultural identity and contemporary fashion.
This deeply personal exhibition reflects Shailaj’s journey with the sari over three decades, exploring its presence, absence, and transformation. Drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage and her life in New Zealand, Shailaj has created a stunning collection that merges traditional Indian aesthetics with modern New Zealand design. The result is a rich tapestry of colours, fabrics, and styles that celebrate the sari as a versatile garment that transcends cultural boundaries.
“I am so excited to bring this showcase to the world,” says Shailaj. “Indian culture is so bright and vibrant, and the timing with Diwali is perfect. The sari is symbolic of this culture, and I can’t wait for the public to experience this firsthand. This exhibition also features saris that tell a more Western story, reflecting my journey and the influence of New Zealand’s design landscape.”
Craig Scott, Exhibition Designer of Tūhura Otago Museum, expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, “This is the perfect exhibition to highlight and celebrate Indian culture. We are excited for the injection of color and energy that this exhibition and the associated events will bring to the museum.”
The Six Yards Sisterhood will be on display until 23 February 2025 and is free to the public. Visitors will be captivated by floor-to-ceiling projected images and a dozen exquisite saris, ranging from shimmering silks and elegant chiffons to flowing crepes and georgettes, each telling a unique story of tradition, adaptation, and innovation.
The exhibition offers a window into the life of Rekha Shailaj, from her upbringing in India surrounded by traditional saris to her new life in New Zealand, where she has been inspired by Western society’s concepts and design. The sari, an unstitched rectangle of fabric that has been a symbol of grace and identity for women across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, is reimagined in this exhibition, making it both a timeless garment and a contemporary fashion statement.
Join us in celebrating this vibrant cultural heritage and the creative journey of Rekha Shailaj as we open The Six Yards Sisterhood on 31 October. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the evolution of the sari and its role in a multicultural world.
For more information, please contact: Charlie Buchan, Marketing Manager, Tūhura Otago Museum