Only good things will come out from this Pandora’s Box, for it is an exhibition of home décor that incorporates the best of South-East Asian art and craft. The exhibition will feature accent furniture, artefacts, hand-painted baskets, candle holders, lamps, tableware, wall art, jars, vases and figurines.
The exhibition, to be held this month, has been organised by the Director of Art Mantram, Raji Narayan, architect Lakshmi Ramaswami, Shweta Mani, a graduate from the Indian Institute of Ahmedabad and Tara Srinidhi, an active promoter of art and culture.
Pandora’s Box is a result of a year’s intensive research on South-East Asian art and craft tradition. The four worked closely with South-East Asian craftsmen from Bangkok, Chiangmai, Hanoi and Bali.
The products combine South-east Asian design with European sensibility. “One doesn’t see these products in regular markets in Bangkok. South-East Asia is known for its bamboo and wood-works and lacquer techniques. Their craftsmen are known to be meticulous. Apart from bamboo, the furniture is made of mango wood and well-treated banana fibre,” informs Raji.
Raji says that the products have been designed keeping in mind both newly-married and 50-plus couples, and that it will suit every space, from apartments to villas. The high-end products might interest interior decorators as well for the designs and techniques used. The products come in interesting shapes and designs that Raji says will attract buyers.
Having worked directly with the craftsmen, Raji says that the products and price range are at par with emporium shops in Bangkok. The price range starts from below Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 15,000 to 45,000.
Raji, who has worked with Kalamkari artists for 12 years, plans to eventually take Indian craft to South-East Asia. Her expertise lies in bringing traditional aspects with a contemporary touch.
Pandora’s Box will be exhibited at Raintree, No. 4, Sankey road, opposite ITC Windsor Sheraton till September 2. It will be on display again from September 7 till 9 at Lakeview Varthur/Whitefield road, next to Shell petrol bunk, Ramagondanahalli, Whitefield.
For details call 9845087716.
