‘What The Camera Didn’t See’ at Museum of Art and Photography – A Unique Confluence of Past and Present

‘What The Camera Didn’t See’ at Museum of Art and Photography – A Unique Confluence of Past and Present

“There’s stillness in photographs and to bring out life, to give it a motion, I try my best”, says the artist Alexander Gorlizki. The moment you enter the Infosys Foundation Gallery of the Museum of Art and Photography you’ll notice a unique confluence of our past and present. The rich culture, the gold memories which are just captured inside a frame side by side with a vibrant artwork which has colours, geometric shapes, reimagined animals, reimagined dress and what not! And all you would be able to say is WOW!! It’s been almost a year since the Museum of Art and Photography made its space on the popular street of Bangalore and since then it has been making a noise for its gripping exhibitions. To be honest, since the day it opened up, I had been dreaming of visiting space but a 9-5 slave often misses the beauty of little things. But recently luck knocked upon my door when I got to know the new exhibition ‘What The Camera Didn’t See’ is up. Without much ado I visited the place and was mesmerised with art pouring its magic on me.  If I have to summarise ‘What The Camera Didn’t See’-  it explores the interplay between the two mediums, breathing life into the formal compositions from vintage photographs and those from the museum’s collection. Through the 23 artworks in this exhibition, Alexander Gorlizki conceptualises fantastical reimaginings of static moments by injecting a new dimension of the contemporary. While Pink City Studio adds colour and patterns into the scenes, together transforming images of royalty, common folk, architecture, and nature into whimsical narratives. ‘What The Camera Didn’t See’ transcends the rigidity of historical documentation, inviting viewers to question traditional interpretations. As ‘outside’ elements merge with the images from the past, multi-layered compositions emerge, challenging our perception of time and place. Going back to the beauty of art and the conversation with the artists, the idea of creating a masterpiece and the effort to bring it to a piece was astonishing. As I walked through the gallery, Alexander went on explaining “I always see these pictures where our grandparents or great grandparents have these Stern faces, and I always wanted to give more life to those cherished memories.” With the artisans of Pink Studio led by Riyaz Uddin, Alexander reimagined a world where “what if” was possible. Let’s imagine our grandparents’ or great grandparents’ picture with lots of vibrancy, geometric patterns, and shades that keep growing intricate as you observe more. Or imagine your favourite monument embracing the colours but not on the pillars or walls but as an appendage that sprouts from it, giving an overall depth. Or let your imagination run wilder and imagine the royalties with Pinocchio noses and wonder how did that grow or if you are satirist then probably why did it grow only this much?  Well, the answers are not there, and there lies the beauty of art that Alexander is presenting at MAP. “I want the visitors to observe and let their imagination run in every direction. Just like poems I want them to look deeper and try to find out a meaning, a little mental exercise maybe”, says the artist. But the latest exhibition is not just about mental exercise but also encourages involvement. In this busy world, it throws a wonderful task at you with its arrangement. Each of the artwork is curated over an old photograph but rather than presenting it side by side, the arrangement has been in such a way that you tend to memorise it. It’s a little play that evokes a childlike excitement when you find the original picture in the gallery and then again run off to the recreated artwork, only to witness the amazing work. What else adds to the astonishment is the unique names of each artwork.  “We did not want the artist’s work to be hidden behind the text heavy description, we wanted people to read the name, find the relatability of the artwork with the name and wonder what has been put in front of them”, say the curators of ‘What The Camera Didn’t See’. The exhibition is one of the kind which you should not miss. Each artwork not only transports us to a realm of imagination but also highlights the work of over 25 artists. “We have a team of 20+ artists out of which at least 5-6 constantly worked on a single artwork and it took them 2-3 years to complete all the art pieces”, says Riyaz Uddin. He also explains how these artists bring a new dimension to the world of art and how he has witnessed the increase in the number of female participation.    The unique exhibition is part of Art is Life: Old Threads, New Stories, dedicated to the celebration of art, culture and discourse. This year the festival is  apart of the city wide Unboxing BLR Habba –  a celebration of Bengaluru’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage.  P.S. – Do visit Museum of Art and Photography and immerse yourself in a world of art, where old threads intertwine with new beginnings, and where stories are retold and reimagined in countless ways.   By: Arshiya Gauhar

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 NMACC – A Pride Of New India

NMACC – A Pride Of New India

India, a land of myriad cultures, languages, and traditions, has found its beating heart within the walls of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Mumbai. This extraordinary establishment stands tall as a beacon of India’s unity in diversity, a pride that showcases the nation’s cultural wealth through an enchanting blend of exhibitions and performances that grace its stage every other day. Imagine stepping into a world where time seems to stand still, where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) is not merely a physical space; it’s a journey that transports you through India’s centuries-old heritage while celebrating its vibrant contemporary spirit. The building’s architecture itself is a masterpiece, an architectural marvel that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, much like the nation it represents. Talking about the marvellous space, Ms Runa Dalal, who recently visited the NMACC called it an “interesting experience”. She added, “Considering the kind of exhibition that they have. It was equal to any other international museum that I have seen.” Ms Runa Dalal visited Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center, Mumbai for the special art exhibition by TOILETPAPER ‘Run As Slow As You Can’. TOILETPAPER is a creative studio and image-based magazine led by pathbreaking Italian contemporary artist Maurizio Cattelan and photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari. The power duo’s exhibits are known for conjuring pop-culture inspired parallel universes of edgy and provocative visuals that investigate our current reality of hyperconsumption, making us question the way in which we engage with an increasingly virtual world, incessantly drowned in visual stimulation. What truly sets the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre apart is its commitment to showcasing the living traditions of India and the world. The performances that grace its stage are a testament to the country’s rich artistic legacy. Traditional dance forms, classical music recitals, and theatrical performances come alive under the spotlight, captivating audiences and reminding them of the beauty that lies in preserving one’s roots. “The platform it is giving to the new artist is commendable. There are different theatres within the NMACC where many new artists, musicians, dancers, dance groups and more showcase their talent and come into limelight. NMACC also has a grand ballroom where grandeur shows take place”, said Ms Runa. She also added, “They recently had The Sound of Music and now West Side Story, which is a well known Broadway production. It is coming on August 16th”.  One can’t help but be awe-struck by the sheer variety of experiences the NMACC offers. From the soul-stirring melodies to energetic beats, there’s a performance for every taste.  “While growing up, we visited Jahangir Raj Gallery. Today’s children have this opportunity to be able to visit a space in India which is of international standard”, said Ms Runa as she reiterated on how NMACC is a must-visit place for every generation. The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is a living entity that thrives on diversity. It’s not just a reflection of India’s myriad cultures; it’s a celebration of how these cultures intertwine to create something truly unique. The centre’s calendar is a rich tapestry woven with events that honor festivals, commemorate historical milestones, and spotlight the lesser-known aspects of India’s heritage. As you exit the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), you carry with you not just memories but a profound appreciation for the diversity that defines India – a diversity that is, without a doubt, its greatest strength. Inputs: Runa Dalal Author: Arshiya Gauhar

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 Watch trendy summer lifestylers at Lushly in Pebbles on Mother’s Day

Watch trendy summer lifestylers at Lushly in Pebbles on Mother’s Day

Pebbles is becoming increasingly excited as we have found the ideal setting for our upcoming Lushly Summer flea market there, and we hope you will join us there! A place that is instantly recognisable to the vast majority of people and that emanates a warm and inviting appeal as well as an energy that ebbs and flows in rhythm with our fundamental principles. A upcoming exhibition will be held at Pebbles on May 14, 2023, in honour of Mother’s Day. Pebbles will be hosting the event. At this event, there will be some exciting new brands to check out. Keep checking back for more information as it becomes available. The founders of Lushly are three women named Prachi, Atu, and Jane who are enthusiastic about helping other businesswomen. Their mission is to provide a platform for neighbourhood business owners to grow and network with one another. Lushly achieves this goal by staging flea markets, which create curated settings for company owners to sell their items and network with a wider audience. The one-of-a-kind and creative vendors that they feature at their events are largely responsible for the exciting energy that attendees report feeling. Lushly is devoted to environmental protection and has made environmental awareness an integral part of its business model. Most of their success can be attributed to their dogged pursuit of an atmosphere that promotes entrepreneurial spirit and their positive impact on the growth and prosperity of the regional economy. The success of Lushly, a company run entirely by women, exemplifies the potential that women have in the commercial world. They work hard, are devoted, and care deeply about supporting regional enterprises. Because of this, they’ve been able to achieve great success. Everyone is welcome to our pet-themed party. You should come take part in the interactive activities whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, homemaker, pet owner, or none of the above. The most memorable parts of the event are going to be :- Pottery Live Workshop : If you’re wanting to spice up your routine by learning a new skill, we recommend taking a pottery class in person. You’ll learn something new and have something to show your loved ones when you get home from class. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with people who share your interests and maybe even spend some quality time with your bae.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lushly (@lushly.art) 2. Brunch with live music : Don’t allow the commotion of Sunday brunch go from your memory just because you’re in the heart of  Bangalore. Enjoying delicious meals just before lunch, beneath the bright and lovely sun in your own city of Bangalore, is a  surefire way to spark some creativity, as does surrounding yourself with people who love and appreciate you and providing you with excellent cuisine.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lushly (@lushly.art) 3.Mother’s Day, also known as Mothering Sunday, is a day set aside to show appreciation to moms and other maternal figures for everything they do for their families and communities. On Mother’s Day, people throughout the world show their moms how much they care by showering them with presents, cards, and other expressions of love and gratitude. It’s a day set aside to honour all  the mothers out there for all they do. So have her mum take the day off and let her relax and have fun. 4. Shopping and loads of shopping : Going on a shopping spree for an assortment of goods, such as those made by hand, clothing,  shoes, jewellery, handiwork, cosmetics, toiletries, pet supplies, etc. It’s admirable that you hoard, but you should make some space  for  your new purchases. Those in Bangalore should stop by the wonderful flea market event hosted by lushly and stock up on crazy- good deals. Lushly in Bangalore have evolved into a high-class event, complete with not only displays, stalls, and food, but also a  stage and performers to liven things up. Pop-up art shows are regularly held with a lot of fanfare for the aficionados of visual arts. Take advantage of the city’s many street festivals, exhibitions, and flea markets to stock up on unique souvenirs.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lushly (@lushly.art)   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lushly (@lushly.art) 5. Furry friends day out : We celebrate the day dedicated to our furry friends. Spend the day with your pet at the most popular   Lushly  in Bangalore. Visit our summer flea market, where both you and your pet are welcome. The best part is that there is  absolutely no cost to take part. Bring your loved ones and (maybe) Fido to this gathering. Attendees of our pet party will be able to  meet individuals who share their love of dogs. The opportunity to connect with people who share your passions is priceless. We encourage customers to bring their pets and are pleased to accommodate them. Your family and furry friends are welcome to join you. Attendees of the pet event will be able to socialize with people who share their love of all kinds of animals. It’s a wonderful  chance to learn something new about taking care of pets and ensuring their longevity and wellness. Let’s clear our schedules and go check out the Mother’s Day festivities at pebbles, stylishly featuring curated gifts from lushly.

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 Futuristic Innovations by Interior Designers of Goa at JD Design Awards 2023

Futuristic Innovations by Interior Designers of Goa at JD Design Awards 2023

The interior design exhibition showcased by the young designers at JD Design Awards 2023 concluded on a high note. In attendance were renowned architects, media and influencers along with parents and students who came down in good numbers to support and motivate the youth of Goa. The outstanding projects showcased by students of JD School of Design (Affiliated to Goa University) and JD Institute of Fashion Technology celebrated cutting edge creativity that reviewed and redefined Goa with modern tech. The future of our evolving world, its changing landscape and the way forward provided the crux of the interior design exhibition. The overriding conviction was that the next generation of forward-thinking designers who believe in moving ahead and yet being rooted to their culture and heritage. This reiterates their position as the enablers of the new smart industry era. The projects on display and the thoughts that went into its creation demonstrated the central and crucial role played by this new wave of thought that one must not be confined. Sustainable practices that fuse the traditional with the modern was resoundingly echoed in the work presented by the young interior designers. Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Managing Trustee of JD School of Design and JD Institute of Fashion Technology stated, “Education helps to support young designers to achieve their dreams. At the interior design exhibition we were able to witness students work that showed the incorporation of tech in banking, reflection of the warmth of Goans and the Portuguese influence, wellness initiatives etc. Kudos to the budding superstars for pushing the envelope and championing innovation which is the key to the evolutionary process that is revolutionising the industry.” Aishwarya Shrishail Mirje, Interior Design student of JD School of Design and  participant at the recent interior design exhibition at JD Design Awards shared, “My experience for the JD Design Awards from brain storming to my final execution of my project was a fun experience. My project revolved around the old vernacular style of architecture. This helped me explore and taught me a lot about sustainable practices.”   JD Design Awards was created to provide aspiring designers with a space for their creative voices.  The winners of the Interior Design Exhibition at JD Design Awards 2023 were: Best Thesis of the Year – Dhanashree Pratap Singh, student of Interior Design at JD School of Design for her project, Soil to Soul which was based on the Earthship concept that provides a space for potters and clay artists to teach people about this forgotten artform. Best Virtual Experience – Fernandes Elton Francisco, student of Interior Design at JD School of Design for his project, Industrial Dinette a sustainable restaurant space in Industrial style made using reclaimed/recycled materials. This style reduces heat in seating areas and harvests wind energy.  Best Concept of the Year – Shahin Kausar Bashir Ahamad Belur, student of Interior Design at JD School of Design for her project, Rainbow Dazzlers, a kindergarten child friendly school where students are motivated to develop beliefs and build their confidence. It also provides opportunities for creativity and imagination to flourish.  Special Jury Award – Naik Teja Dayanand, student of Interior Design at JD School of Design for her project Sobit Nirmit, a concept store for handicrafts of Goa and an in-house cafe which will be housed in an Indo-Portuguese style mansion. The aim is to represent Goa and its culture by supporting the indigenous people and their art and craft forms. Best Execution – Emmanuel Antonio Fernandes, student of Interior Design at JD School of Design for his project Old World Charm, a restaurant and bar that spells the old world charm of rural havelis showcasing the use of natural materials around the context of informal vibe that is tweaked to create a semi formal space which is true to its culture and context. Best Project of the Year – Tejas Fadte, student of Interior Design at JD Institute of Fashion Technology for his project Poderalo Konso which is a rustic bakery which paid tribute to the baker. Best Execution – Wayde Francisco De Sa, student of Interior Design at JD Institute of Fashion Technology for his project Reflection an installation which is a tribute to oneself and the life that a person has lived. Special Jury Award – Sanchia D’Souza, student of Interior Design at JD Institute of Fashion Technology for her project Yantras wherein she designed furniture for a visual merchandise for a jewellery store inspired by the Mandala art Most Innovative Design Solution – Cressida Roseann Lobo, student of Interior Design at JD Institute of Fashion Technology for her project Modern Offline Banking which is a public area in a private sector bank that would provide better customer seating areas as well as a more systematic spacious layout where AI kiosks will be station to build a more approachable environment that caters to all ages.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by JD School of Design powered by JD Institute – Goa (@jdinstitute_goa)   “I liked the step-by-step review process which was instrumental for best outcome. We were guided by our faculties who imparted their feedback to help better our work. This process is instrumental as it will help us in the future to understand how things are conducted and how to be prepared for the outcome in the real world. I am thankful for JD School of Design and JD Design Awards for providing with a platform to showcase our talent and learning that we have received from college,” says Emmanuel Antonio Fernandes. About JD Institute of Fashion Technology: JD Institute of Fashion Technology is a multi-award winning establishment that was created to provide students the tools to pave a path to accelerate their design aspirations. To supply to the growing market JD Institute offers a wide variety of courses in the field of Design, Management, Technology and Art. The Institute plays a vital role in shaping the students to be authentic and help build the future

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 Interior Design Exhibition At Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore

Interior Design Exhibition At Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore

The grand interior design exhibition held at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath has concluded. The exhibition was focused on the theme Sync with nature and brought forward numerous designs and concepts that reinvigorates the sustainable lifestyle. The event was inaugurated on the special occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The four day long event received a huge number of footfalls due to its unique and eccentric design concepts presented by the creative minds. The young and fresh talent belonged to the prestigious design school JD Institute of Fashion Technology Bangalore. The institute is focused on the study of design and has multiple new-age courses that help the generation in honing their creative skills and make a career out of it. The field of interior design is one such dynamic domain that in the past years has evolved drastically. The designers are no more just on the quest to propose new concepts but are providing design solutions. The domain no longer talks about beautiful interior spaces but promotes sustainable lifestyle by inculcating little things in the design or ideology that make a huge impact. During the exhibition, the aspiring interior designers presented various concepts. They showcased their designs and impactfully raised awareness about saving nature. The concepts that received huge applause were the exploration of biophilic design into the library space along with the thought of introducing it in residential as well as commercial spaces, curating dog-shelter with sustainable materials, creating gaming table that increases the efficiency of the gamers, using coconut coir for soundproofing and thermal insulation to name a few. In the exhibit, the future interior designers also used the latest technology to display their design aesthetics. Many designers used VR Technology to give an immersive experience to the visitors. The VR experience also was entertaining and gave a glimpse of the future to the people. On the concluding day, i.e., 18th August, 2022 the aspiring interior designers also received accolades from JD Design Awards. The list of category and the winners is here: Best Thesis of the year- The Noise by Akash K K and Kalon Custom Studio by Saloni Jain Best Project of the Year- Borrowed Earth by Faraz Mashood N P, Dame Daryll Paswett and Pragna S Kumar Mentor’s Choice Award for the Best Methodology- KAIZEN- Change For Better by Vathsalya S, Mohammed Siddique and Syed Ayaz Maliki,  Rasoi Ghar by Minal Jain, and Sweven by Vidhi A Jain Special Jury Award- Calmtopia by Shubanka Sridhar, Ridhi Jain and M Harshitha, Sugati by Harsh Bhansali, A Cafe by Aanshu Vikram Parmaar, The Talking books by Aayushi Sarin and 3BHK Residential by Pavan Yadav J Best Concept of the Year Award- Hover Hyperion- H Cloud by Arun Yashwanth K V, Vishal Makkad and Vaibhav A and The Neutral Knot by Karthik N Best Sustainable Design Solution Award- Conjure by Dinesh M Most Innovative Design Solution Award- A Modern Office by Neha P Jain Best Virtual Experience Award- PAWS- Dog Shelter by Ayeshabanu Shabir Mussa and The Forest Affair by Ruder D Best Execution Award- Trukan’s Transformable food stall by Nishant Bucha, Keerthana A and Archana Budihal and A Resto-Bar by Asha Khatun

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 Hi Life Exhibitions – Fashion, Lifestyle and Luxury under one roof!

Hi Life Exhibitions – Fashion, Lifestyle and Luxury under one roof!

Hi Life Exhibitions provides a curated Fashion, Décor, Lifestyle and Luxury experience to shoppers at Taj West End, Bangalore. Hi Life Exhibitions is the leading organizer of finest exhibitions across the Country. It was launched in Mumbai in 2013. These splendid and grandeur exhibitions are put up under one roof in the best hotels in the Metropolitan and Tier 1 and 2 cities across India. It provides an experience to select from the very best Designers, Jewellers, Lifestyle and Home Décor brands. The brands or label have to fit in the Marquee brand Design Library to participate in these exhibitions. Hi Life Exhibitions has more than 500 exhibitions across India and overseas every year, the main aim of Hi Life Exhibitions is to bring cutting edge marketing, innovative concepts and strategies for new age exhibitions. The exhibitions aim to provide a platform for the designers and make the brand excel in leading the brand, target the right customers, build a network and bond in the environment. Also, to provide the high end and informative customer a delightful shopping experience with tailored fit outfits, multi-optional lifestyle products and meeting the consumer’s needs. While enhancing the brand’s image Hi Life Exhibitions also launch new products each season from across the country, by researching, surveying the market and the brand which maintains incredible relationships with the consumers. These are then invited to participate in the exhibition. The exhibition was spread across widely at the Hotel with a variety of items, from the finest collection of Designer apparels, luxury items, home décor and accessories. These exquisite pieces were made from the finest craftsmen’s across the country with highest quality and ethical pricing. These luxury products were sure to be a trend setter. The Designers mainly included house makers, who kept these brands as a hobby or part time job. The designer pieces mainly included Indian wear for many occasion like Mehendi, Haldi, cocktail parties and many more. The jewellery included intricate cut work from silver to Swarovski Diamonds. There were mainly contemporary designs which could go along with any outfits and the inspiration for these designs were mainly from Nature. Hi Life Exhibitions delivers the needs and expectation of the clients with exquisite designs and patterns. The event witnessed a wide range of clients like Fashion Enthusiasts, Stylists, Media and many more. The annual exhibition was a huge success and the crowd definitely did get a good dose of the much-needed retail therapy. Hi Life Exhibitions – Fashion, Lifestyle and Luxury under one roof!

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 Chitrakala Parishath – Art, Craft, Handlooms and Lifestyle Exhibition

Chitrakala Parishath – Art, Craft, Handlooms and Lifestyle Exhibition

Chitrakala Parishath – Art, Craft, Handlooms and Lifestyle Exhibition Chitrakala Parishath conducted Artisans Bazaar – a grant flea market for artisans across India. Artisans Bazaar included everything from the rare contemporary form of arts and crafts, clothing, to jewellery, home décor, furniture, handicraft products from the exhibitor all across India. The market was filled with amazing craft works including Bhagalpuri Sarees and Dress Materials, Handloom lifestyle products, paintings and much more. One of the central attraction in Artisan Bazaar was the Channapatna Toys. Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna/Gombegala nagara (town of toys). Pattachitra style painting was also one of the main attraction in Chitrakala Parishath. These paintings are one of the oldest and popular art forms of Odisha. The Tanjore paintings, the most popular forms of classical South Indian Paintings stole the show. The paintings are characterized by rich and vivid colors, iconic composition, glittering gold foils overlaid on delicate but extensive gesso work and inlay of glass beads and pieces or very rarely precious and semi-precious gems.  The craft of making leather puppets was also one of the main attraction at the exhibition at Chitrakala Parishath. The craft originated in Andhra Pradesh and locally known as Tholu-bommalata, meaning “The Dance of Leather Puppets,” an art form of shadow play that reached its pinnacle during the rule of Vijayanagara Empire.

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