"Figures in motion,
Festivals alive on silk,
Echoes of home and harvest,
Stories carried across threads."
Journey Back to My Roots
Sari ID: 26 DDAS JBR AAM
By Deepak Das
Collection: Journey and Exile
Created by: Deepak Das, Massachusetts
Medium: Fabric paint on custom-dyed Kanchipuram silk, 2026
Latest Exhibit: Asian Art Museum, San Francisco (March 2026)
Includes: Blouse kit (materials for two blouses) and certificate of authenticity
Care: Dry clean only by textile specialist
Status: Available for sale
The Artist
Deepak Das is a fine artist whose work explores the universality of human emotions as people navigate daily life: urbanites in cities, sellers in small-town markets, or Adivasis celebrating harvest. He trained for twelve years in the traditional Bengali style at an art school in Jamshedpur, with roots tracing back to Nandalal Bose. He holds a degree in engineering from BITS Pilani and a Ph.D., and currently works as an engineer while maintaining an active art practice.
The Inspiration
Journey Back to My Roots reflects Deepak’s deep connection to the Santhal community of Jharkhand and South Bihar. Growing up, he was captivated by the rituals, dances, and attire of the Santhals during Sankranti, the harvest festival. These memories became the emotional and visual core of the sari.
Rather than focusing solely on abstract patterns, Deepak sought to capture people, movement, and communal energy, translating festival life onto silk.
This sari is a bridge between heritage and presence, inviting the wearer to feel the joy, rhythm, and cultural continuity of communities far from their own.
From Sari to Art
Creating this sari required careful experimentation and sensitive handling of materials. Deepak practiced extensively on polyester and silk samples to understand how paint and ink would interact with silk’s delicate surface.
He tested multiple fabric paints and permanent ink pens to achieve vibrant figures without compromising drape or softness, ensuring the sari remained fluid and wearable.
The layering of colors, precision in detailing, and control over brush and ink ensure that the sari is beyond just visual but emotionally resonant.
Message for the World
This sari invites the wearer to embrace cultural connection, curiosity, and joy.
It's a tribute to community and celebration.