NOTHING can dampen the magnetism art has for me. Each week I am gasping at the wealth of dimensions that encompass the world of art — performing arts, be it music, theatre, film, architecture, heritage and all things that define culture. This week is dedicated to design and of course, music!
The Horizon for the Arts Community
I AM dreaming of a time when there will be a beeline for ticketed shows for all arts and literature like the Coldplay buzz. If at all someone has captured the dramatic expressions of those and their friends who simultaneously tried booking for the show, it would make for entertainment that could be ticketed. While they awaited their turn at number 11033 to book tickets online, it brought flashes of box office slow living akin to the hysteria of good ole “Sholay.” Except we were far away from the “instaballoo” gratification and frenzy of those in queue, googly-eyed about 23 numbers down to 11013 was an exciting curtain raiser. The much anticipated noon booking site collapsed a few minutes before the booking started. Billy Joel has his take on getting real fans to the front-row seats (which he has stopped selling for his shows).
Here’s wishing the gig a warm vatavaran (vibe) with the charts indicating a huge paradigm shift for the music industry. Small wonder that you have the first edition of IIMW’25 (India International Music Week 2025) to demystify the seamless export exchange of music across borders. India’s first Music Conference & Showcase Festival is getting set to take India to the world and VV. The industry is finally coming into its own class and the prestigious conference is getting set for a Gõychem unfurl in the first week of February!
Hey AD’24
THE gamut is amazing in the Universe of Art. The symbiosis of architecture and design acquires a heady intersection with objects visibly projected as art forms. Be it the embroidered wallpaper or objects d’art. Or the young artists rendering timeless art techniques. It’s the AD 2024 (Architectural Digest India) show time when architects and decor businesses revel under the same dome at NSCI, Worli.
The live displays of craft processes provide an interface with the artisans, this year the pick being intricate inlay work the sublime Kashmiri pashmina. Besides the traditional kharigar are multi-artists whose displays are a design language at the intersection of contemporary Indian and international. My pick for an exquisite rendition would be Gayatri Khanna Sabharwal’s Milaaya. The range of embroidered canvases and tapestries of modern masters elevates the decor canvas to a collectible.
In contrast is the central installation which is the piece de resistance. This year the slick metallic installation is titled “Assemblage N51.” Editor Komal Sharma’s allegory to construction is symbolic in its colours. Red and silver.
The art pavilion at the entrance of the dome was my go to. From the Wicker story has the dawn to dusk collection which captures my imagination. I actually meant to go back to buy a block but it is never easy to stay the route with the many displays vying for your attention
Textiles set the Trend
I AM drawn back to the Obeetee carpet space, fascinated by the 3D weaves. The wall tapestry stories, Ashdeen Lilaowala’s Persepolis, for one is what you could live with for a lifetime, just like his ghara heirlooms. Each of the works of the Virasat collection like Anju Modi, Tarun Tahilani and Anita Dalmia keep you riveted by the splendour of the renditions.
The textiles section completes and complements the thread that binds the show. Carrying forth our rich legacy and moving forward anew is the message visible in the design language throughout.
The power talk panels manage to get a fair share of students. There’s Sunita Kohli and the who’s who in attendance. It’s the guru of the world of art, Bose Krishnamachari, who shares Rej Melathil, Director of Dtales plans in Bengaluru, but more about that in the next column.
My side hustle of superseniorita mom caregiving has come to play with the ultimate test of hospital discharges and rounds post-surgery. Had to snatch my reward and make a visit to AD happen.
India Design Mumbai
MORE design feast for me. I test the red alert warning to head for Queen of Cardboard Bandana Jain’s sustainable art creations at India Design Mumbai at BKC. Her drapes and functional art made of compressed cardboard stand out amid the pavilions brimming with creme of all elements that go to make luxe interiors living, top-of-the-line brands in decor and edgy accessories. Just the single roof for architects and those who rock the world of design in India. The list is exhaustive. It calls for a visit of several hours to soak in to name a few, Spanish Lladro, Atelier Ashiesh Shah, and The Colosseum’s refined design language and aesthetics. I dare not take on the experiential suggestion of Scandinavian mattress displays like Swedish Hastens. I might have to be rolled out after the exhibition. Or visit their lab!
I also have red-circled the founder of Tumeric Earth, Niyatee Shinde’s co-curation with Jasmine Shah Varma of Wild World. The Art Gallery at Kala Ghoda has on display 18 artists. While art and its abundance will be a constant on my radar, it is time to pay tribute to Hanif Kureshi for his immense contribution to the world of street art and bringing to India many collaborations. Terrence Gear (T-Man) joins him in Art Heaven where they write out new lyrics in Graffiti. Watch out art lovers, there is a party up there!