Report by Santanu Ganguly, Gurgaon: Founded in 1999 by Divya
Thakur, Design Temple is a major force in contemporary design in India today,
focusing on home accessories but also branching out into graphic art,
publication design, fashion, interiors and artistic collaborations. Their
products are characterized by a clever wit, a social consciousness, a
heightened awareness of symbology, and impeccable craftsmanship.
For Nature Morte's gallery space at the Oberoi Gurgaon,
Design Temple has focused on a group of products that reinterprets the
traditional yet syncretic beliefs, practices and attitudes that revolve around
gender, sexuality and spirituality in India. "Sense and Sensuality"
builds a visual narrative by using design objects that inform our contemporary
way of life.
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| Design Temple: ‘Sense and Sensuality’ at Nature |
The foundation is laid with a group of wool pile carpets
from the "Floored!" series, replicating geometric patterns found in
domestic and sacred architectural spaces. Arranged with these are the
puzzle-like constructions entitled "Indian Order." This modular
system, inspired by pillars found in temples and mosques, allows for multiple
functions through limitless combinations. Here, they will be further activated
by the addition of Design Temple's "Lingam Candles." Completing the
display will be selections of limited edition prints from two collections
("Erogenius" and "Animania") as well as the "Peacock
Mirror," a tribute to Narcissism.
In 2011, Design Temple was invited to participate in
Wallpaper Magazine's exhibition Handmade* at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. In
2007, Divya Thakur was commissioned by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
to curate a graphic representation of contemporary India. Ms. Thakur has also
showcased the unorganized design sector with an exhibition entitled Indigenous
India in 2004 at the Loggia dei Mercanti in Milan. Design Temple products can
be found in their dedicated retail outlet in the Colaba neighborhood of Mumbai
as well as lifestyle boutiques across India.
Nature Morte at The Oberoi Gurgaon is open every day, from
11 am to 9 pm. For more information and press photographs, please contact Gary
Jacob at (0124) 4010443 or Rajeev Dhawan at (011) 2956-1596.
Date: January 18 to February 24, 2013
Gallery hours: 11 am to 9 pm daily
Venue: Nature Morte, The Oberoi Gurgaon, 443, Udyog Vihar Phase-V,
Gurgaon-122016
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