Ritu, Prayer Cloth

Ritu, Prayer Cloth, is one of a series of printed works in the form of receiving blankets. With a passion for fibre arts, artist Carla Costuros studied ethnographic textile traditions from around the world. During her studies of ethnographic textiles, she had the opportunity to witness and learn from women of different cultural backgrounds, equipping herself with a textile vocabulary that communicates and aesthetic expression of their cultures. ​“The work of their hands wraps lives from cradle to grave,” says Costuros. Taking inspiration from the work of archeologist Marija Gimbutas, documenting Paleolithic symbols, Costuros drew connections between the ancient markings, and the designs, patterns, and symbols found in so many woven and printed textiles. She explains that one of the most ubiquitous utilitarian cloths is the manta or carrying cloth, the prayer shawl, the receiving blanket. As refined and complex handwoven or printed pieces, they increase in value and meaning with use. Their beauty is often enhanced over the years as pieces are mended and become more layered. According to the artist, ​“as a mother of a young son and daughter, I was attempting to express my experience by incorporating some of those symbols into what I would consider a prayer cloth.”