The Ideal Home & Garden witnesses the launch of The House of Things gallery spanning over 20,000 sqft in the heart of Udaipur.
“In the tapestry of time, The House of Things weaves a decade of curated dreams, unveiling a sanctuary where art breathes and design whispers.”
The House of Things Gallery: A Vision Realized
Astha Khetan, co-founder of The House of Things, exudes excitement about the gallery’s launch, describing the atmosphere as “super buzzing” and expressing her happiness that so many have taken the time to attend. Choosing Udaipur as the gallery’s location was a heartfelt decision, as it is her home ground. She emphasizes the city’s emergence as a burgeoning design hub, making it the ideal setting for this inaugural gallery.
Astha Khetan, further encapsulates the gallery’s essence through evocative phrases: ‘Art for living,’ ‘Love for design,’ ‘Beautiful objects,’ ‘Amazing art,’ and ‘Objects in providence.’ These expressions reflect her deep-seated passion for curating spaces that harmoniously blend functionality with aesthetic excellence.
A Journey Through the Gallery
Upon entering the middle atrium, visitors are greeted by a calming blend of light and space, the mood for the immersive experience that follows. The atelier boasts contemporary designs, a testament to the innovative spirit of the modern artisan. The Pichwai House pays tribute to India’s classical art forms, the intricate paintings telling tales of love and culture. The Alchemy, a material library, offers tactile insight into the texture and mediums behind these pieces.
Feroze Gujral: Curating Immersive Experiences
Feroze Gujral, renowned Indian patron of the arts, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and media personality, has vast experience that she brings to the role of guest curator at this gallery. As director and founder of The Gujral Foundation and Outset India, she has been at the forefront of the development of contemporary design and art in the Indian context.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Astha Khetan, Feroze describes their bond as special, rooted in a shared enthusiasm for design and its possibilities. She admires Astha’s visionary ideas and the robust production background provided by her family, which she believes creates a magical environment for innovation.
In an exclusive interview with The Ideal Home & Garden, guest curator Feroze Gujral shared insights into her two distinctive installations:
“For ‘Desert Rose’, I aimed to craft a feminine space that exudes lushness,” Feroze explained. “The centrepiece is a stunning pink onyx dining table, and I selected a palette that transitions from peach to a rich wine shade, capturing a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic. Discussing ‘Lime Oasis’, she noted, “I wanted to create a masculine ambiance using calming green tones. Paired with dark charcoal and brushed brass elements, the space offers a soothing environment during the day and transforms into a sexy, inviting setting at night.
Redefining Creative Spaces: India’s Artistic Renaissance
The 10th anniversary of The House of Things is not just a milestone for the gallery but also the beginning of a new era in India’s art journey. With the creators and keepers being in the limelight, the confluence of tradition and innovation ensures a rich and dynamic future for art, design, and curation in the nation. By embracing such progressive galleries, India is experiencing a renaissance of art and design, where age-old craftsmanship intersects with contemporary creativity, and new stories are conceived.
Charting the Course Ahead: Astha’s Perspective
Looking ahead, Astha envisions expanding The House of Thing’s physical presence beyond its online forte. She hopes for the opening of more galleries in major Indian cities, where people can feel and touch these stunning products and see how they might make their houses even better.
