Janani creates a fusion of Swedish culture and Indian art

Through a fusion of Swedish motifs and Indian art tradition, Janani Thiyagarajan wants to reflect on how ideas and cultures are exchanged at Mid Sweden University. She came from India in the autumn of 2024, and then became fascinated by Swedish culture. What she was fascinated by was how certain cultural traditions and objects, such as the Dala horse, could take different forms in different cultures.

"That it can be the same but still different," she says.

Research in Sweden

Janani chose to do research in Sweden as she believes that we have a better focus on sustainability in textiles, something she herself has a background in from India.

"Sweden is also more hospitable and welcoming, with many international students," she says.

What she is most looking forward to in Sweden is contributing to the development of sustainability, through durability and recycling/upcycling. In addition, she wants to speak a lot of Swedish, and learn to understand Swedish culture. I want to be one of the Swedes, as she says.

First winter

So how has her first winter been?

"This is my first winter with snow. Where I come from, South India, has a hot and humid climate.

"I love the weather here and the snow is interesting without being a big challenge. Now I've gotten used to it.

Janani's art exhibition can be seen in the library for at least a couple of weeks to come.

Here you can read more about Janani and her research