Project 810
Curated by Alaiia Gujral, Shifting Horizons celebrates the transformation of traditional making into bold, contemporary expressions. Rooted in India’s artisanal heritage, the works in this showcase transcend their origins to become collectible design pieces that resonate with global audiences.
Gujral’s vision incorporates immersive storytelling, weaving together tactile design objects, digital installations, and a sensorial atmosphere to create a cohesive experience. The space invites audiences to engage with the intersection of tradition, innovation, and design, offering a journey that is as thought-provoking as it is visually captivating.
Alaiia Gujral
Let’s start from the very beginning. When and how did your romance with the arts begin?
It started early. I grew up surrounded by creativity. Art, architecture, and craftsmanship were just part of my world because of my grandfather, Satish Gujral. I was always drawn to materials and the way they tell stories. Studying at SAIC gave me the space to experiment across different disciplines, but honestly, my curiosity has always been the driving force. I love exploring how objects and spaces evoke emotion and create dialogue.
The Vakr Collective
You very often merge art, design, and technology. Has that always been your sensibility, or has it evolved over time?
It has definitely evolved. I’ve always been drawn to tactile, material-driven work, but over time, I realized that technology adds another layer to storytelling. It allows for more immersive experiences, whether through digital elements, interactive installations, or AI-generated visuals. I like experimenting, merging the physical with the digital to push the boundaries of what art and design can be and how we experience them.
Jhankar Khandelwal
I love the idea of amalgamating traditional crafts with contemporary design. What was the thought behind Shifting Horizons?
Shifting Horizons is about reimagining heritage for the future. I wanted to highlight designers who take traditional Indian materials and techniques and push them in unexpected directions, not just reviving traditional ways of making but also contemporizing them. It’s not about preservation—it’s about evolution and, more importantly, perspective. How does something rooted in history become something new? How do we honour tradition without being bound by it? That’s the space I wanted to explore in this curation.
Creatomy
Nishita Kamdar
What was your curatorial process?
It was instinctive. I looked for designers who are experimenting, who respect material traditions but aren’t afraid to challenge them, and who are also willing to collaborate and grow. I curated based on a mix of form, texture, and narrative, making sure each piece had its own voice while contributing to a larger conversation. The goal was to create an environment where these works could speak to each other, where the space itself became part of the experience.
Sharol Ahluwalia
Lastly, as a multi-disciplinarian artist and curator, what stories do you wish to tell through your craft?
I’m interested in stories that live between worlds—the personal and the collective, the past and the future. A lot of my work explores process, the relationship with materials, and the stories they tell. I’m also fascinated by how people react to my work, whether it’s tactile or immersive. Whether I’m curating a show or creating my own pieces, I want to challenge perceptions and create moments that make people feel something. That’s what keeps me going.
Parth Shukla for The House of Things
Words Platform Desk
Date 17.02.2025