What about the Galaxy Shirt?

This shirt is born in an desert that turned blue with Indigo. The galaxy shirt is a block printed and indigo dyed from Ajrakhpur. Ajrakh is a traditional form of block printing and dyeing, primarily practiced in the Kutch region of Gujarat. The term “Ajrakh" is believed to come from the Arabic word "Azrak," which means blue, a dominant color in the craft.

In this piece the artisan (Mubin Khatri) creates a cluster of stars, forming a galaxy. Skies full of infinite stars that lies above the vast deserts of Bhuj. The mirrors are embroidered to represent the stars closer to us.

While most blocks in Ajrakh are carved in wood, and features geometric patterns, floral designs, and motifs inspired by nature and Islamic art that are often symmetrical and very detailed, showcasing the skill and precision involved in the craft.

This shirt is made differently using a wood block which is stamped with nails that create tiny dot imprints. The block is also printed in a non traditional repeat format where a single block is printed several times in a circle to create a larger illusive circle.

The desert climate of Bhuj and Kutch is characterized by very little rainfall (sometimes just a few centimeters per year), with long dry
spells and intense heat during the summer months. The desert areas can reach temperatures above 40°C (104°F) during the peak
summer month

Located in the vicinity of Bhuj, the Banni Grasslands are a unique ecosystem where the desert landscape transitions into a mix of
grasslands and wetlands, supporting a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds. This area provides grazing land for cattle and is also
known for its vibrant rural culture.

The process begins with washing and treating fabric, typically cotton or silk, with mordants to help dyes adhere. Natural dyes, such as indigo for
blue, madder for red, pomegranate for yellow, and iron for black, are used in a layered application. Wooden blocks carved with designs are
stamped onto the fabric, and a mud paste is applied to resist certain areas, creating detailed patterns. The fabric is then washed, dried, and ironed
to fix the dyes. The use of natural dyes makes Ajrakh eco-friendly, sustainable, and deeply tied to the environment, while its complex process
produces uniquely beautiful, vibrant textiles