Amarjeet nandhra biography of william

Seeing students evolve.

I also lacked confidence as a young artist, and my work was significantly impacted by receiving conflicting feedback from tutors and event organisers…

Some said my pieces were not ‘Indian enough’, while others felt the colours were too ‘ethnic’.

It wasn’t until later in my creative journey that a renewed passion for the colours, patterns and symbolism associated with traditional Indian textiles began to inform my work.

For example, in Mapping, I used diamond shapes and long blocks to represent fences and borders.

I also use stylized Mirchi (chilli) rectangle shapes repeated in a cross form.

“Growing up and being ‘othered’ impacted my sense of pride for my heritage – keeping invisible was the goal.”

Amarjeet K. Nandhra, Textile artist

In my 20s, I decided to speak and embrace Punjabi, and this work connects to that shift.

I was struck by the bold designs and repetition of images that could carry a message and communicate a story.

I used Punjabi text as the foundation of this piece to reflect that reconnection. The text is complemented by fabric shapes and patterns typically used in phulkari, then emphasised with kantha stitch.

Mapping place and space

Mapping Place and Space uses the concept of phulkari to map and document the maker’s activities.

I was born in East Africa, Tanzania, and moved to England in 1967.

My practice explores the idea that textiles carry our stories, stimulate our memories, and express our beliefs.

Stitch Club members will use the process to create a series of works that are related but also have interesting differences that will engage viewers.

These printed fabrics will then be collaged together and embellished with stitch.

The background was painted with fabric paint using binder and pigment. That moment when they discover their own voice? One of the traditional motifs I use is the four-faced Kanchan design, featuring triple V-shaped lines repeated in four directions.

I like experimenting with different natural fabrics, as I feel it’s part of the serendipitous nature of printmaking. I use stitching to create texture, layering and movement."

Amarjeet is one of the talented tutors helping us make Hammersmith & Fulham stronger, safer and kinder through outstanding creative education.

What first led you to teach textiles?