Monday, August 26, 2013

‘Sense and Sensuality’ by Design Temple

Design Temple, founded in 1999 by Divya Thakur, is considered a significant force in the domain of contemporary Indian design today. It focuses on home accessories, also opting to branch out into graphic art, fashion, interiors, artistic collaborations and publication design. Their products are largely characterized by a marked social consciousness, clever wit, impeccable craftsmanship and a heightened awareness of symbology.

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. She has also showcased the unorganized design sector with an exhibition ‘Indigenous India’ (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 apart from lifestyle boutiques across the country.

Divya Thakur’s recent project, entitled ‘Sense and Sensuality’ looked to build a visual narrative by using design objects that inform our contemporary way of life.  For the gallery space of Nature Morte at the Oberoi Gurgaon, Design Temple 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.

A press release elaborated that the foundation laid with a group of wool pile carpets from the ‘Floored!’ series replicated geometric patterns found in both domestic and sacred architectural spaces. It added: “Arranged with these are the puzzle-like constructions called ‘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 ‘Lingam Candles’ of Design Temple.”Completing the dazzling display were selections of limited edition prints from two collections (‘Erogenius’ and ‘Animania’) as well as the ‘Peacock Mirror’, a tribute to Narcissism.

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