Anila Agha masterfully integrates inspiration from Indo-Islamic architecture and South Asian textiles into her art, crafting intricate steel patterns and delicate embroidery that blend tradition with contemporary expression.

Her illuminated box pieces—complex, shadow-casting structures—stand in striking contrast to softer, more intimate wall hangings. This interplay between industrial materials and handcrafted delicacy reveals the layered beauty of South Asian design and invites reflection on cultural hybridity.

Join us on a captivating journey through Agha’s work, where textiles, patterns, materials, and cultural influences converge to form immersive, thought-provoking installations.

On September 16 we will host a virtual program, Cultural Connections: Textiles in Context. Join this virtual discussion between Director of Exhibitions Joshua Lessard and Katy Rosenthal Jackson as they explore the connections between pattern, motif, and material in Indo-Islamic textiles. See examples of the textile designs that inspired the art.

The Michener virtual programs are accessible via Zoom. On the morning of the event, participants will receive the Zoom link via the email address provided during registration. Please double-check your spam/junk folders if the confirmation email is not received. If you encounter any difficulties in registering or accessing the Zoom link after registering, please email [email protected]. The Museum will record the program and share it with registrants who are unable to attend live.