Mani Bhavan, the residence that Mahatma Gandhi used as his Bombay base, has always held a very special place for me. It evokes great memories of museum visits during the kids’ growing years. It’s incredible to imagine that a nation was born of a struggle using symbols like common salt, the charka, khadi and the weapon of non-violence. The power of uncommon vision and commitment. What better way to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti than a visit to Laburnum Road to rekindle the life of Bapuji?
THE aura of the abode is reverential. Here is a man who brought India independence in his iconic dhoti, round metal frame spectacles, chappal, walking stick and his sparsely covered bony frame subject to many hunger strikes. It is only befitting that the ideals that defied social injustice like untouchability inspire an exhibition of visual art. Sanjay Nikam brings together 18 artists exhibiting at the adjoining gallery. Each student and emerging artist brings to the table their unique take on Gandhiji. As we reach milestones it is important to stay rooted to the simple living and lofty ideals that birthed freedom for India.
Ahmedabad, Mecca of Design
NEXT on the radar has to be 47A. Ahmedabad, The Mecca of Design, where there is spectacular curation by Kunal Shah. Each artist is assigned a task which results in spectacular outcomes in various mediums.
The signature blue and red langur, canvas oils, are raised to the next plane, rendered on fine rosewood finished tables. The Ambalals’ distinctly styled creations highlight the rich traditions of Ahmedabad. While every exhibit is replete as a standalone winner, it is Morii who transforms the traditional handiwork. His use of sujnii (running stitch) or kantha (as known in Bengal) takes on aerial dimensions through his handcrafted canvas. Each of the 15 participants relay their individual perspectives as co-creators of the well-knit exhibition. The curtain call this weekend has the book launch of Anuj Ambalal. And in true Srila style, she pulls out another creative blockbuster for the month of October entitled “Larger Than Life.”
Adrift
I am in love, alive to all things art. I have been meaning to visit Jaipur to experience and soak in the processes of the mindful Jaipur Rugs ethos. The Adrift collection from Jaipur Rugs is the pop of my favourite pink, teal and blue in their chic black and white cARTpets. They are a sure showstopper to uplift and light up any area.
While I am yet to chart my Jaipur route, a catch up with the endearing power couple in Design Thinking and Sustainability, Ayush and Geetanjali Kasliwal, is top of the must do. Also entwined in this fabric of fine rugs and the finest decor objects, I plan to clock in Gaurav Gupta’s Jaipur Watches. These works of art encompass philately, pneumatics and oleographs of the Father of Modern Art in India, Raja Ravi Verma. And the anti-bucket list is to get the essence of the Pink City and its rich heritage. From what I recall viewing around the pandemic, it has to weave the savoir faire that Yogesh Chaudhary, Director, Jaipur Rugs is known to excel in. The simple joys of discovering these nuances and enriching food traditions.
Functionality and Luxe Living
FOR now I am back to terra firma and find myself roving to the India Design Mumbai feast of Luxe Living. TOI sesquicentennial celebrations driver, Neerja Shah, is one of those warm “glammas” (glam grandma) who has her fundas sorted. As we chat with Dhruv of Carpet Cellar we marvel at the beautiful works on display.
Functionality as an extension of aesthetics is taken to the next level. Wood feather Adesh Shah’s use of airline parts like cabin trolleys is a sell out with the thronging visitors. The pavilions have brilliant displays stylish sofas set off with elaborate walnut carving sides. Each handicraft blends in with contemporary styling. Each piece is an ode to India’s handicraft. You can’t help falling in love with their creation that has a solid marble feel and the skyline of Bombay running across in bidri. Spectacular outcomes.
Tab Enter Travel
AHTUSHI Deshpande is the author of the newly published book ‘Speaking Stones: Rock Art of Ladakh’. Her work sheds light on a lesser-known facet of the high-altitude Trans-Himalayan region, transporting readers back to prehistoric times through the art left by early humans on Ladakh’s rugged rocks. The book, illustrated with spectacular photography and vivid night shots, spans the entire region, meticulously organized by style, distribution, and creative range. It is the result of extensive research by Ahtushi, a seasoned travel journalist and photographer.
Block Printed Originals
MY vote for the week goes to Radhi Parekh’s 50th celebration of her mother Mita’s block printing revolution in Mumbai. The “Originals,” a limited edition of a half century back reveals the craft at its finest and Mita’s eye for colour.
We were treated to a superb documentary “Modern in Print” directed by Dinaz Kalwachwala with music by Amit Bhavsar. Mala Sinha of Bodhi and Suchitra Balasubrahmanyan provided the research for the 26 minute documentary. This was followed by a conversation moderated by Tina Nooshian, editor, textile chronicler, to discuss the future of the craft.
A sip of Goa in Bombay
THIS weekend Bomboicars can stay put and have Goa in their backyard with “Festa de Goa.” Set in the magnificent Royal Opera House the curation gets you panels, performances and F&B representing various dimensions of the Luso and other influences of the tiniest state in India. The symbiosis of Goa located at the border of Maharashtra is a historical reality. More about this first festa of amchi Gõychem Daiz next week. Till then mog asundi.