Mechaniya (मॅ-क-नी-या) is an art studio redefining the relationship between textile, technology, and women. We use the precision of cutting edge knitting technology to deconstruct elements drawn from traditional Indian arts and crafts, and reconstruct these digitally, pixel by pixel. By viewing them through a new lens, we create jacquard tapestries that fuse India’s rich textile heritage with contemporary art. We also broaden our experiments by recreating pixels in tangible and textured forms using different materials and techniques.
The name Mechaniya (मॅ-क-नी-या) brings together two distinct worlds - the mechanical and the feminine. It merges machine with the Sanskrit-rooted suffix “-iyā,” often used to turn ideas into identities, giving them life and presence. In Mechaniya, the ‘iya’ softens the mechanical. We see machines not as oppositional to craft, but as extensions of the body and tools of expression. Every piece of textile art created under this name carries a dual imprint: of code and care, of logic and labour. They are neither hand-made nor machine-made.
They are Mechaniya-made.
Minds behind Mechaniya
Namrata came across Tanvi’s jacquard artworks through her family’s 40-year-old textile business. Together, they founded Mechaniya to explore how Indian heritage can be viewed through a contemporary lens using this intricate digital craft.
Tanvi is the lead artist and mentor at the studio. A NIFT graduate and an MFA from Kingston University, Tanvi has exhibited in solo and group shows in the UK and India. Her background in visual art, knitting, and fashion, allows her to see the world through the lens of textiles, where material, craft, and technology intersect.
Namrata leads strategy, partnerships and communication at Mechaniya. A Wharton graduate, she has spent over 15 years at the intersection of design and digital experience, in leadership roles and as an entrepreneur. Pursuing a postgraduate program in Indian Aesthetics, she has long been drawn to art and Indian culture.
Our Core Values
We envision a future where women's roles in textiles expand beyond traditional boundaries. Machines are not replacements but powerful extensions of human skill - tools that amplify creativity and enable ever more complex work. In this harmony between people and technology, beauty emerges through thoughtful design, rendering the digital realm an authentic extension of human artistry.
Advancement through innovation
We strive to make art education accessible, training women to design and lead. Each design embodies stories of learning, growth, and community, restoring dignity and ownership to craft and fostering pride in its makers.
Artistic Authorship
Our core belief is that true value stems from purpose, celebrating the human spirit within every creation. This commitment extends to our creations themselves. At Mechaniya, every piece must connect India's rich textile history with modern design, ensuring traditional patterns and cultural stories gain global recognition in luxury markets.
Cultural Expression
Our textiles are born from a rhythm of care, prioritizing thoughtful processes, sustainability, and quality over haste. We achieve this by creatively transforming factory excess into unique artworks, extending the life of materials. We honor cultural heritage by ensuring our innovative approach is always respectful and mindful of its origins.
