Triaem

Triaem is a collection of interlocked and interdependent porcelain dinner plates. Employing convoluted and overlapping construction techniques, the only way for these fragile vessels to function is through co-existence. When flipped, each patched unit reveals a contrasting synchronized and coherent version. The collection is inspired by the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Kashmir conflict in South Asia, a region that has been violated and exploited in a tug-of-war between nuclear power countries India & Pakistan since the mid 20th century. The circular form for the individual dinner plate in each piece is inspired from 'traem', the vernacular Kashmiri platter used for food serving and sharing during communal feasts. It epitomizes a unique intimate space where people sit together on the floor and eat from the same plate irrespective of their differences and hierarchies. As a reflection of the ongoing dispute, Triaem is an instrument for encouraging a humanitarian dialogue and peace resolution among the three directly involved neighbors and stakeholders–Kashmir, India & Pakistan. Sitting down together for the social act of meal sharing could be a great opportunity to bridge many gaps, initiate progressive discourses, accept differences, and mend fractured relationships.