Mirrors, accessories and furniture morph into unusual collectibles at Tulsi Arterior's Mirrors and Collectibles exhibition. While reinventing mirrors with frames, the traditional artisan also breaks the monotony of wooden furniture and wall pieces by adding intricate bone inlay work, traditional carving and much else.
The artist's strokes with the brush often transform a furniture item into a piece of art, as in the case of antique benches and rectangular consoles with gilded representations of winged mythical lions displayed at the exhibition. Also on view are interesting abstract wall pieces that meld brass embossed rough wood work with aluminium metal sheet work. Other eye catching combinations include brass and wooden wall hangings.
The collection of mirrors tells a story of ingenuity in skill and reinvention.
Old mirrors get a make-over with frames in flowing free style carving, solid wood frame with leather finish and rococo style European carving.
Wooden delights
Among the outstanding frames are those which combine different textile wood blocks placed together, with each block adorned with delicate imprints of trees, flowers and geometric motifs. Antique almirah doors are also converted into mirrors, with the original door frame in tact.
Artist Kamal Kannan gives country wood furniture a new look by painting on them.
He has created a colourful range of chests, boxes, screens and chairs with Mughal motifs, free hand floral and vine borders and other designs, giving each piece an stunning finish.
Says the artist, “To get that antique look, I first apply Indian ink or Japanese black ink, which when dry, leaves an antique patina.” Kamal Kannan also does deep etching, glass processing and mural making.
The Mirrors and Collectibles show is on at Tulsi's Arteriors, 1st floor, No.6, Rutland Gate, 4th Street. Ph: 65643255, till June 25.
