Théorie is the brainchild of Unnati Pingle. It is a pop-up exhibition of bespoke pieces of furniture and art, the first of which was held over two days in October last year in Hyderabad. The event was a culmination of sorts of what Unnati had been working on for over a year. What is Théorie all about? When I asked Unnati what was Théorie about, this is what she had to say: Théorie was transpired of the uncharted. It is curating bespoke pieces of furniture and art. What makes the brand special is that each piece is unique and exquisite, with no attempt spared on the immaculate finishes. In simpler words, these are pre-owned pieces of furniture and household items such as tailoring machines and iron boxes that have been given a new lease of life; by painting, or upholstering in traditional fabrics, or inlaying tiles. As simple as it sounds, each piece…
Overcast skies. Hair gently blowing in the wind. Colors as pretty as these. Blue pottery; block prints; copper vessels. So much diversity under a roof and everything that India stands for. Elegantly dressed ladies draped in beautiful saris. What an electric atmosphere. Sampoorn Santhe is back in town with its visually enticing stalls. If you are craving for Indo-fusion wear in indigo hues, this is the exhibition to go to. Several stalls stacked with block-printed skirts, palazzos, culottes, and dresses. The regulars at Sampoorn were there along with some new entrants. I took a break for a few months from these exhibitions as there were the usual suspects (same stalls) hosted by a different banner each time. And with too many exhibitions happening all around the year, it had lost its novelty. But, it felt good this afternoon. It was good to see Vaaso again. Some pictures from the exhibition.…
Sampoorn Santhe, organized by Sampoorn, is currently being held at Chitra Kala Parishath. Bangalore is a treat for craft lovers. Last week, I went to the half-yearly Kala Madhyam held at Basava Bhavan (you didn’t miss anything as the show was a flop!) . So, I was not enthusiastic about Sampoorn Santhe but still found myself there yesterday morning with the camera in tow and grey skies over. Am I glad to have made the trip? You bet!
Sampoorn Santhe was very refreshing. No regular stalls, no regular vendors and o0dles of freshness and color. If you are a Dastkar regular, then I’m told (by aagor guys) the annual exhibition will not be held this year in Bangalore.
Some of my favorite picks here.
I picked up a kumkum box. These colorful organizers are made in Bangalore out of wood. You had pretty wall hooks, watering cans, organizers, pencils, and holders all priced very reasonably. The small ones were around Rs.50.
Kitsch Mandi happened at Pebble, Palace Grounds on Sunday. Cars started rolling in from 1:00 p.m. By the time we left at 3:30 p.m., the crowds started pouring in undeterred by the overcast and the showers that followed; the party had just begun. There was food, crafts, quirky prints, funky accessories, chunky bracelets, kitschy clutches, and loads of artsy staff spread over the 50 odd stalls under one big banyan tree.
We’ve been to Dastkar, Kala Madhyam before. But, what was different about Kitsch Mandi is I got to see creations that one usually doesn’t get to see in the standard handicraft exhibitions. Most of the products stood out; it’s not a imitation of something. There was something individualistic – be it the clutches from Pink Jalebi, or the accessories from 22.c – a form of creative self expression. And, a crowd that appreciated it and was clearly having a good time with food and beer in hand and good music to groove to. Of course, on a honest note, if you ask me, most of it on display was pricey and clearly the target audience were not the masses.
My son at the potter’s wheel at the Culture Trails stall.