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Bengaluru, bearing the moniker of India's 'Silicon Valley' given its technological clout, quietly harbours a rich and diverse undercurrent of design and art. This often-overlooked aspect of the city's cultural fabric is now being celebrated and showcased in The Makers' Trail, an initiative curated by AD India’s founding editor Manju Sara Rajan, during the Unboxing BLR festival, from the 1st to the 10th of December. This event offers a rare and intimate passage into the creative sanctuaries of the city’s most illustrious design houses and studios, each with its own unique story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistic vision. “For a while I’ve been wanting to work on a programme that would bring Bangalore’s design community together on a singular platform. As part of Unboxing BLR, a small selection of Bangalore based brands, artists and design studios will open their doors to the public in a first of its kind open studio tour. This is a first effort so it is featuring only a fraction of the creative community this lovely city harbours,” says Rajan. Here’s the winning lineup for Rajan's labour of love, The Makers’ Trail -
1st December, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
At Sangaru Design Objects, where traditional craft converges with contemporary design, visitors are invited for a walkthrough led by Sandeep Sangaru. They'll explore the studio's commitment to sustainability, focusing on their signature bamboo products, and delve into the multifaceted nature of bamboo as a foremost material.
1st December, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Atmosphere Fabrics, under the expertise of Jayshree Poddar, offers a journey from thread to fabric. This intimate studio tour provides a deep dive into the intricate design and production processes of this remarkable textile factory, revealing the exquisite craftsmanship behind their luxurious textiles.
1st December, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Oorjaa, a beacon of sustainable lighting design, welcomes visitors to a guided tour by Co-founder and Director Radeesh Shetty. Guests will explore the design and production process behind their unique lamps, crafted with materials like banana paper, faux concrete, cork, and lantana.
2nd December, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Kaimurai, led by Bengaluru-based artist Abishek Ganesh Jayashree, invites visitors to experience an insight into his practice; which is a dialogue between organic forms and the energy of the Western Ghats, Ancient South Indian art, rituals, architecture, and Carnatic music.
3rd December, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Artist Devi Seetharam welcomes visitors to her studio for an intimate artist talk. Guests will have the opportunity to see her works in progress and learn about her unique techniques and artistic process.
5th December, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Phantom Hands, renowned for their artisanal, Mid-Century Modern approach to furniture design, invites guests to experience their ecosystem. The tour includes processes ranging from carpentry and cane weaving to wood polishing and packaging, highlighting their commitment to Indian craftsmanship and modernist design.
6th December, 5:00 PM
At Woodlabs, founders Abhirup and Deeptashree will guide visitors through the studio's creative process. This tour offers insights into how Woodlabs marries natural wood with contemporary design.
6th December, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
The Summer House will host a small group of visitors for an interactive experience in sustainable fashion design. The session includes hands-on needlework and special practice kits for guests to take home, offering a glimpse into the brand's eco-conscious design ethos.
7th December, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Tharangini Studio, nestled next to Sankey tank in a historic 70-year-old family estate, invites visitors for a tour with their artisans. Guests will learn about woodblock printing, natural dyes, and the studio's efforts in maintaining global relevance for Bengaluru's textile legacy.
7th December, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wari Watai Studio will take visitors on a journey through their multidisciplinary design processes. The day ends with a fun project that guests can take home, offering a comprehensive view of the studio's work across textiles, space, graphics, and industrial design.
8th December, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Olie Lighting Studio's team will lead a walkthrough, showcasing their design and production process. Visitors will engage with the creation of the studio's signature sculptural lighting pieces, gaining insight into their approach to custom lighting.
8th December, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
KAASH offers a compelling insight into a space where art, craft, and design intersect. Visitors will explore a studio where traditional artistry meets contemporary vision.
9th December, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mathew and Ghosh Architects will conduct sessions led by Nisha Mathew Ghosh and Soumitro Ghosh. Guests will explore architectural thought processes, works, and stories behind some of Bengaluru's public spaces, including interactive activities on scale and material.
9th December, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tiipoi is a Bengaluru and London-based design studio that merges traditional Indian materials and techniques with a modern perspective. For this open studio tour, they invite visitors to explore their product designs, showcasing their unique approach to contemporarizing traditional craft forms.
Ultimately, The Makers’ Trail is set to be more than a series of studio visits; Each space offers a unique story, a different perspective on craftsmanship and creativity, embodying the spirit of innovation that Bengaluru is renowned for.
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