OT creative space and Artists Lynda Sterling and Rabia Salemi, worked with a local group of Indian Punjabi women known as ‘The Desi Grannies’ that meet weekly at OT creative space to create this unique display of artwork which explores family, marriage, religion, and the role of women within their culture, in response to Chila Burmans exhibition at IWM north.

Experimenting with collage and fabric printing to make their artworks, the Desi Grannies have transformed the Waterway space using a dupatta – a long scarf, traditionally worn by Indian women around the head, neck and shoulders – as a canvas. 

Many of these women have never had the opportunity to create art before, but through this project have discovered their voice to creatively express who they really are. 

The exhibition is on display in the Waterways gallery at IWN north until January 31st 2026