– Thukral & Tagra
A prescient vision of futuristic design for the special edition of Rado’s True Square ‘Over the Abyss’ timepiece, showcases ingenious amalgamation of art and technology. The Duo designed the watch incorporated with 37 spokes – two separate dials each having 19 spokes for minutes and 18 spokes for hours, rotating on the axis forming a variety of different patterns metaphorical to the feeling of being connected with different global time zones. It is an enthralling expression of viewing time and human interconnectedness as a shared experience. The digital artwork lodged at the titanium backed watch is derived from their ongoing series of paintings Dominus Aeris. The series explores the boundaries between civilization and science fiction.
During a time when the world is experiencing isolation, it represents the signifiable reunions with loved ones awaited by the people looking forward to happening. As the ability to move about became constrained, the duo embodied time zones, travel and migration in an object. In persuasion of the sense of association with a lot more time zones, Thukral & Tagra’s inventive objective was to bring forth eloquently unique to the experience of reading time. Their intention was to connect the wearer with the others coming from a deep affinity and understanding towards the independence of the communities which can never work in isolation.
Over a period of 18 years of studio practice with a wide range of material and techniques, Thukral & Tagra through their artistry elucidate about painting dreams and reveries of deep slumber, often comprehending time as a means, however in itself it has little meaning.
Their artwork transcribes as a means of achievement, tangible or psychological, having multiple beginnings propelling towards multiple unique ends. We are aware of time when there is an impediment to our achievement, or when there is the interval of becoming successful.
“We have been always experimenting with new narratives through old mediums and materials. For us, material and innovation are hands in glove with each other. As artists, we feel any design is incomplete if it doesn’t pulsate with the right kind of material. The work is developed through an extensive process that works with different materials to be realized into an immersive experience along with new formats of engagement. It constantly provides a safe space by making art and design approachable for people to feel, touch, interact and most importantly, question and think.”
– Thukral & Tagra
Deriving inspiration from the diverse train of thoughts such as migration, mythological narratives, symbols of Indian identity, and motifs exhibit their ability to explore, discover and comprehend material culture through their dynamic style of narrative dexterity.
Twain has mastered the art of encompassing arrays of a spectrum of themes showcasing socio-political commentary. Through their archives and publications, Thukral and Tagra aim to further investigate new formats of public engagement to expand the scope of potentialities of art. Their objective is to create multi-modal sensory, and storytelling in immersive environments in order to recognize and identify the practice as pedagogy through their collaborative Pollinator.io – Interdisciplinary lab to cultivate an inclusive learning ecosystem intending to achieve knowledge sharing through cross-pollination.
Text by Davangi Pathak
Image Courtesy: Dezeen
Find more about the Brand and the Artist:
https://www.thukralandtagra.com/
https://www.dezeen.com/2020/12/03/thukral-tagra-true-square-watch-rado-video/
https://www.dezeen.com/2021/08/04/thukral-tagra-rado-over-the-abyss-promotion/
https://www.dezeen.com/2020/12/03/thukral-and-tagra-rado-live-talk/
