GemArts Masala Festival - A weeklong festival celebrating a mix and blend of the finest South Asian Arts and Culture

“The turban is more than simply a hat; it is a state of mind.”

Every community has its own way of connecting and interacting, centred on a culturally important action. It might be the intricacies of language, food or even dance that tell people about a way of life, while for some communities messages are communicated through dress. The turban is so embedded into Rajasthani culture that it is impossible to tell whether culture precedes turban, or turban precedes culture. One look at a turban wearer can reveal a profession, a village or a caste. Delve a layer deeper, and a whole repertoire of conversation is revealed.
Complex ideals such as honour, respect and responsibility can be communicated through the turban; in a ritual whereby a turban is tied onto a patriarch, he assumes responsibility for the family. Emotions can be expressed; certain colours are worn at weddings, others in the event of a family death.
This body of work, Turbanism, celebrates the diverse and complex world of the Rajasthani turban, its people and the incredible process of creating these intricate headpieces.

Presented as part of Masala Festival, with Gateshead Council

As part of this exhibition Rehmat will also lead a Portrait photography workshop: how to take a strong portrait that tells a story. For more information please contact info@gemarts.org.

Based in London, social documentary photographer and filmmaker Rehmat Rayatt grew up in rural Essex, England. She graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth with a BA(Hons) in Photography and works globally within photography, film and education.
Her work has been exhibited at The Southbank Centre London, BFI Southbank, The Old Truman Brewery Brick Lane, The New Art Exchange Nottingham, Guildhall Art Gallery London and The Gallery, Bournemouth, among others.

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