Object in Focus #7: Boundaries Reimagined

Viola Bordon

Boundaries Reimagined is an installation, created from dry Water Hyacinth and influenced by the knot craft technique that are practice by the community in that region. When lakes and ponds are heavily covered by Water Hyacinth, the movement of the water body halts. In this installation, the artist Viola Bordon has utilized this as a metaphor and intervened in an empty café building within a museum space, which is closed and appears as if it has come to a halt. By covering the building with the knotted Water Hyacinth, it mimics how they have covered lakes and rivers. The carefully crafted knotted blanket also gives the impression of growing and spreading to other buildings.

While exploring as a foreigner, she becomes captivated by the enchanting culture of Koshi Tappu. Witnessing the Sardar traditions and discovering indigenous techniques, she feels inspired as traditional crafts, which later evolved into contemporary art. Through her exploration of Koshi Tappu and diligent research, she has gained an enriched perspective. By using the same materials within a contemporary context, she perceives the preservation and practice of indigenous craft as a bridge to her Western perspective. Utilizing these materials, she creates transformative installations, blending tradition with contemporary artistic expression.

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I am conducting ongoing research with the Nepal Knotcraft Center (NKC) to understand the systems of material sourcing, harvesting, and product development. This relationship has allowed me to experience craft-based product development and I want to continue that relationship through this project. They have the experience needed to assist me to construct the installation and source the materials. After a meeting with them, I know that there are several forms of weave that can be used, and we will need a system of ropes that can be connected. The experimenting and weaving process will take several months, but the NKC is excited to collaborate on this project and has agreed to support the construction and installation.