As the founder of Studio Wrap, a New Delhi-based interior and furniture design studio, and IKKIS, a product design brand where classical forms find expression as 21st century design objects for the home, Gunjan Gupta’s name has become a buzzword in the design fraternity. She joins Sunday Guardian to speak about her work. Excerpts from an edited interview:
Q. What has your journey in this field been like?
A: After I got my master’s degree in furniture design from Central Saint Martins, London, my journey in the field of design has been nothing short of exhilarating. From showcasing my work at prestigious international fairs like Design Miami, Art Basel, Fuorisalone in Milan, and Design Days Dubai to being recognised and collected by leading collectors, celebrities, institutional heads, and design critics; each step has been a testament to the impact of my work. Blurring the boundaries between art and design, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting my creations at renowned institutions such as the Triennale Design Museum in Milan, the Kochi Art Biennale, and the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2016. The institutional recognition of my works by esteemed establishments like the Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD) in Paris, the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, and most recently, the Vitra Design Museum in Germany underscores the global significance and appeal of my designs.
Q. Please tell us about your most noteworthy projects over the years.
A: Though I have been fortunate to have worked on numerous noteworthy projects, these three top the list. ‘Every Day / Yesterday’ which was completed this year comprised conceptual objects in my signature vocabulary of materials, crafting techniques, and unique narratives. The objects shown here explored the complexities of Indian culture. They highlighted the balance between expert craftsmanship and resourceful jugaad by ingeniously combining artistry with functionality, making them international-quality aspirational artworks rooted in Indian culture and tradition. In particular, the MudaWala Throne, was inspired by the bicycle vendors of India that carry mobile shops on their backs. It appears to be framed in a halo of their wares.
The ‘Matka’ stone table made in 2013 beautifully encapsulated my playful approach towards material and form, merging traditional Indian craft techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. Further, the ‘Timeless Exhibition of Contemporary Craft and Design’ which I curated in Lisbon in 2009 was a significant project for me, as it allowed me to showcase Indian craftsmanship on the global stage and advocate for its recognition.
Q. Why did you choose to diversify into making collectibles?
A: Diversifying into making collectibles was a natural progression in my 18-year journey in design, marked by collaborations with renowned art galleries like Nature Morte, Volte, and Apparao. My series of conceptual objects, characterised by my signature vocabulary of materials, crafting techniques, and narratives, culminated in the collection ‘Every Day / Yesterday’ which was showcased at India Art Fair (IAF) 2024 at its inaugural design edition. This collection represents a fusion of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, reflecting the evolving narratives of everyday life.
For the first time, my studio offered a glimpse into its creative process by presenting miniature furniture models as collectible objects. Crafted in pure silver, adorned with gold leaf, and embellished with semi-precious stones, these miniature pieces served as precursors to their final iterations as furniture. This innovative approach showcased the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail inherent in my work and provided collectors with a unique insight into the genesis of my furniture design.
Q. How do you navigate trends while staying true to your own aesthetic?
A: While I’m mindful of current trends, I always prioritise maintaining the integrity of my own aesthetic, which is deeply rooted in Indian forms, rituals, and cultural contradictions. I believe in creating timeless designs that transcend fleeting trends.
Q. How would you define your style?
A: My style can be best described as an exploration of the complexities of Indian culture, where I strive to strike a delicate balance between expert craftsmanship and resourceful jugaad as seen recently in ‘Every Day / Yesterday’. By ingeniously combining artistry with functionality, I create pieces that transcend mere utility to become international quality aspirational artworks deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition.
Using a distinctive and playful style, I embark on a research-based approach to material innovation. This allows me to push the boundaries of design while staying true to India’s aesthetic legacies. My creations showcase an innovative re-imagination of India’s handmade and craft traditions, celebrating their richness and diversity in contemporary contexts.
Q. What are you working on next?
A: Currently, I’m exploring new avenues for collaboration with artisans and designers to push the boundaries of Indian craft and design further. I’m also excited about upcoming exhibitions and projects that will continue showcasing the beauty and versatility of traditional craftsmanship.
I’m deeply passionate about advocating for Indian crafts on a global platform and challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding them. Through my work, I aim to redefine the narrative around Indian craftsmanship and highlight its relevance in today’s world. We are also doing a lot of interesting work for IKKIS — wherein our dinnerware draws inspiration from Ayurveda. Our motto revolves around soulful eating – an experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. For instance, our ‘Tantra’ collection blends enamel, motifs, and brass designed for human well-being. Inspired by the Rajasthani art form of that name, the design for this collection is rooted and yet apt for modern living.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com