Carpenters Workshop Gallery, a beacon in the world of contemporary functional art and collectable design, embarks on a significant journey with its debut at the India Art Fair 2024. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with the gallery’s global exploration of art scenes, driven by a profound admiration for the rich and diverse artistic landscape of the Indian subcontinent. The collaboration with designer Ashiesh Shah marks a pivotal point, signifying the gallery’s commitment to fostering enduring relationships within the region. As an institution dedicated to preserving craft and techniques integral to masterpiece production, Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s participation harmonizes with the fair’s mission of supporting arts education and professional development.

 

On the Gallery’s debut arrival in India & broader mission

 

 

Foyer (F): What motivated Carpenters Workshop Gallery to make its debut at the India Art Fair 2024, and how does this align with the gallery’s broader mission?

Carpenter’s Workshop (CW): Our decision to debut at the India Art Fair 2024 stems from Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s continuous exploration of global art scenes. Motivated by our admiration for the region, we carefully align our participation with our core artists’ unique perspectives and artistic expressions. The collaboration with the designer Ashiesh Shah has been particularly gratifying, marking the beginning of what we hope to be a lasting relationship with the region. 

The fair itself is significant in the Indian art world, contributing to a diverse contemporary landscape. Our broader mission, centred on preserving craft and techniques integral to masterpiece production, harmonizes with the fair’s commitment to supporting arts education and professional development. Through a curated booth themed around Querencia – a source of strength and inspiration – we aim to bring together artists who foster a connection with the Indian audience. This venture signifies our dedication to building relationships with diverse artistic communities worldwide.

 

F: What specific moments or highlights does Carpenters Workshop Gallery anticipate showcasing at the India Art Fair, and how do these align with the gallery’s reputation for contemporary functional art and collectable design?

CW: Anticipating our showcase at the India Art Fair, we set to present a curated booth featuring a selection of artists, ranging from seasoned maestros like Wendell Castle to emerging talents, underscoring our commitment to contemporary functional art and collectable design.  This presentation reflects our symbiotic approach with the India Art Fair, blending a local perspective and the international names housed within the gallery, to offer a diverse visual experience. Our collaboration with Ashiesh Shah, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, enhances our story by blending India’s vibrant history with contemporary creative perspectives.

 

F: Can you shed light on the gallery’s perspective on India’s vibrant cultural landscape and how it integrates with the fair’s offerings, combining contemporary visual art, modern masters, and vernacular artistic traditions?

CW: Our perspective on India’s vibrant cultural landscape is deeply rooted in admiration for the country’s majestic beauty and rich history. Our partnership with the India Art Fair is more than just participating; it’s a journey to better grasp India’s historical intricacies and incorporate them into our gallery’s viewpoint. 

As a gallery focused on the intersection of design and art, we recognize the fair’s unique position in combining contemporary visual art, modern masters, and vernacular artistic traditions. The curated booth at the fair, themed around Querencia, reflects our commitment to preserving craft and artistic traditions. This collaboration aims to contribute to the dialogue between tradition and modernity, aligning with both our gallery and the fair’s shared values.

 

On the association with Ashiesh Shah

 

F: Can you elaborate on the significance of the collaboration between Carpenters Workshop Gallery and designer Ashiesh Shah and how it contributes to building a more diverse and contemporary art landscape in India?

CW: In collaboration with Ashiesh Shah, we embrace a shared commitment to preserving craftsmanship. Our curated booth, themed around Querencia, transcends cultural boundaries, fostering a connection between seasoned maestros and emerging talents. This collaboration underscores our dedication to uniting local and international artists with the vibrant Indian audience, enriching the artistic dialogue in the region.

 

F: How does Ashiesh Shah’s unique perspective rooted in Wabi-Sabi philosophy contribute to the collaborative efforts, and what shared values did the gallery find with Shah?

CW: Ashiesh Shah’s unique perspective, deeply rooted in the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, contributes to the collaborative efforts between ourselves and the India Art Fair. Shah’s commitment to honouring India’s rich past while inspiring visions of the future aligns seamlessly with our dedication to craftsmanship and artistic tradition. The shared values found with Shah revolve around design as art and a mutual commitment to craft. This understanding enhances the narrative of the curated booth, creating a harmonious blend of contemporary functional art and collectable design that resonates with both local and international audiences.

 

On the theme & curation

 

 

F: Could you discuss the significance of featuring artists like Karl Lagerfeld, Nacho Carbonell, and Ingrid Donat in the booth and what visitors can anticipate from these standout features?

CW: Featuring artists like Karl Lagerfeld, Nacho Carbonell, and Ingrid Donat the booth at the India Art Fair offers visitors a captivating and diverse artistic experience. Karl Lagerfeld’s water fountain, Nacho Carbonell’s intriguing creations, and Ingrid Donat’s mastery of bronze and tribal-inspired design pieces collectively represent Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s commitment to the moment when design becomes art. 

 

In concluding this momentous venture, Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s debut at the India Art Fair 2024 stands not only as a showcase but as a vibrant dialogue between tradition and modernity. The carefully curated booth, themed around Querencia, reflects the gallery’s commitment to preserving craft and artistic traditions, contributing to the dynamic dialogue within the region. The collaborative efforts with Ashiesh Shah and the showcase of renowned artists underscore the gallery’s reputation for transforming design into art. As Carpenters Workshop Gallery steps onto the Indian stage, it carries forward its legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and a global perspective, adding a rich chapter to the evolving narrative of contemporary functional art and collectable design.