2015
Copper & tin alloy, brass and cork
Diameter: 8 in (20.32 cm)



Steeped in myth, spirituality and science, aranmula kannadi was established in the village of Aranmula, Kerala. Focusing on its technique and material nature, Tiipoi has been working with S. Aravind Aranmula whose family has been making kannadi for 8 generations. Made of a secret copper-tin alloy, kannadi mirrors have been in the making since the 15th century. The process of casting the molten alloy in mud, using the lost-wax method, produces a 3mm thick mirror, the surface of which is laboriously hand polished using oil and water over the course of 2-3 days. Cotton and velvet are used in the final stages in order to produce a flawless reflection. Unlike regular glass mirrors in which light is refracted from the back, the kannadi reflects light directly from its surface. The direct reflection of the pristine image is regarded as more pure and auspicious.

Tiipoi worked closely with S. Aravind Aranmula to create the world???s largest kannadi mirror, which becomes difficult to make as the size increases. Gopal also decided to expose the uneven raw edge of the mirror, traditionally encased in ornate brass frames, which Aranmula was reluctant to. After five unsuccessful attempts, Mirror 6, a 55cm diameter surface emerged and the two mirrors shown here are a continuation of this relationship between Tiipoi and Aranmula.

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