INSIGHTFUL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WORLD OF INDIA DESIGN 2023

Insightful Highlights from the world of India Design 2023

Held at NSIC exhibition ground from 23rd February till 26th February, the 11th edition of India Design Fair became a melting pot of innovation and conversations. Looking at the remarkable evolution in the fields of sustainable design, artistic practices, and artisanal initiatives. The fair was divided into various sections- Experience & Editions, Art & Decoration, Living Traditions by Farah Siddhiqui and Natasha Mehta, and ID Collectibles curated by Misha Banth.The Hunar section was curated by Preeti Singh, and Shabnam Gupta, exploring the heritage of artisanal practices in the subcontinent, dissecting the complex ways in which handicraft and design interact with each other.

1.Ashiesh Shah Atelier

Presented in the Collectibles category, Ashiesh Shah’s designs and aesthetics have a level of sophistication and elegance symbolising modern Indian design. Empowering the ‘karigar’ the Atelier aims to promote and collaborate with artisans from all over the country with a contemporary approach. The modern modes of production are seamlessly juxtaposed alongside traditional artistic practices.

The blueprint of designs is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ‘Wabi-Sabi,’ these design objects celebrate beauty in imperfection through a series of handcrafted collectibles. The flaws are seen as imprints of a man’s creative spirit, and the designs are the product of that determination.

Installation View, Ashiesh Shah Atelier, India Design 2023

AUX Home

Launched in 2011, founded by Chitvi and Harpreet Singh, Aux Home provides architectural lighting, furniture, surfaces, wardrobes, doors and kitchen products from premier European brands like Molteni&C, Armani Dada, Glas Italia, Alex Turco, Flos, and Luceplan. They also provide services such as product design consultation, installation and technical assistance. At India Design ID 2022, the brand is presenting a range of the luxurious products they offer, highlighting their exclusive aesthetic and unrivalled service. In many ways, the organisation provides us with a curation of the finest pieces of design that have changed the landscapes of interior design.

Installation View, Aux Home, India Design 2023

3.Lladró

Known for its elegant designs and vision, Lladró is a Spanish brand that specialises in porcelain sculpture. From sculpture to lighting, home accessories and jewellery, Lladró is a brand that stands for a contemporary, stylish and exclusive lifestyle. In 1953, at their home in the village of Almàssera, they began to make their first plates, vases and ceramic figurines inspired by the works of the great European manufacturers of Meissen, Sèvres and Capodimonte. It is in this period that the modelling of flowers or the complex treatment of tulle first appeared, examples of virtuoso techniques that we still find today in many of the brand’s creations.

Installation View, Lladro, India Design 2023

4. Jaipur Rugs

Founded by NK Chaudhary in 1968, Jaipur Rugs began as two looms with nine artisans, who brought the traditional practices of hand-knotted carpets to the forefront.

Presently, the company is now seen as an esteemed entity with entrepreneurial prowess, having a team of multiple highly talented and renowned designers at the helm. Vinita Chaitanya, Ashiesh Shah, Kavi, Matteo Cibic, Gauri Khan, Tania & Sandeep Khosla, Luli Sanchez, Shantanu Garg, Ariane Thakore, Hiren Patel, Lorenzo Vitturi, Abin Chaudhuri, Artemis. The aesthetics embedded in the designs showcase timeless craftsmanship, dedication to keep the traditional mediums alive and thriving.

Installation view, Jaipur Rugs, India Design 2023

5.Asianpaints Colour and Material Intelligence

ColourNext, a comprehensive forecast of trends in colours, materials, textures and finishes that’s relevant for the subcontinent. Over the course of a year, as these trends become more evident across design fields, they validate our research and motivate us to start fresh every year. The section is highly interactive, deciphering various trends that have evolved over the years and which are more dominant. Different sections look at different colour schemes, textures, and themes corresponding to different demands and usage. Collaborating with experts from the fields of design, art, architecture, textiles, and sociology each section looks at the history of certain trends that are dominant in colours, textures, and materials. The thematic fields of design that will be explored are predominantly grouped as Gothilicious, Edge of the Forest, Sleep Sense, and Shroom.

Installation View, Gothilicious, Edge of the Forest, Sleep Sense, and Shroom, Asian Paints ColourNext, India Design 2023

6.Forever Delhi series by Shalini Passi

In the Art & Decoration section, the Forever Delhi series was conceived as a visual diary of panoramic views of Delhi, charting the evolution of the cityscape, keeping in mind the rich legacy of the place. Delhi has been known for its art and architecture dating back to several centuries. It has evolved into a culturally secular city- absorbing different religions, diverse cultures, both foreign and indigenous, and yet functioning as one organic entity.

How we perceive a place is very much influenced by its architecture. And how we perceive a photograph is influenced by one’s individual perspective.

The Black and White photograph series, shot in 2020, is divided into two categories. One being Delhi’s Heritage Architecture, and other being Contemporary Architecture. With the various unusual angles, the artist attempts to capture the otherwise ordinary landscape through a monochromatic palette.