Enveloped in the deep hue of a blue sari, a middle-aged woman adorned with bangles and a bindi quietly contemplates visitors from within the confines of her frame. Renowned Indian artist Thota Vaikuntam has breathed life into the canvas, and the woman, along with a few companions in similarly vibrant attire, shares secretive, almond-eyed stares that seem almost too natural for the stillness of the artwork. This picture of tranquil Indian femininity is just one of the masterpieces greeting patrons at the Collage, a multi-designer boutique nestling within the lush ambiance of a 70-year-old Art Deco residence in the heart of Nungambakkam.
Upon arrival at Collage, bypassing verdant entrance gardens and the resident felines, three captivating framed works from Vaikuntam’s collection immediately command attention. This engaging showcase is part of “Seeking Vaikuntam,” an exhibition born from the collaboration of Artworld Sarala’s Art Centre and Collage, where the artistic legacy of Thota Vaikuntam over the past decade finds new expression adjacent to contemporary luxury fashion from three distinguished brands — Amrich, 11.11, and Rasa.
Special arrangements with photo credits have been made to exhibit Thota Vaikuntam’s art, highlighting the intersection of artistic expression and stylish design. “Thota Vaikuntam is a figurehead for the art emanating from Telangana. We embarked on this journey to explore the reciprocal influence between art and fashion,” reveals Anahita Banerjee, director of Artworld Sarala’s Art Centre. The choice of fashion brands was deliberate; each reflecting organic, ethical practices, staying significantly clear of chemical interventions. “We are not a conventional art gallery. Our space is more fluid, allowing us to feature clothing brands that value manual craftsmanship, such as block printing or shibori. We took the liberty of introducing apparel within a color spectrum that wouldn’t overshadow the artworks,” comments Lata Madhu, Collage’s visionary founder.
In the world of art curation, mastering the art of display is crucial. Global galleries tend to favor minimalistic setups, where color is sparingly used, ensuring that art never competes for attention. “It is ultimately the art that infuses life into these spaces. We’ve strived to achieve a careful balance, ensuring that our fashion selections complement rather than clash with the art,” Lata adds.
Among the selection stands a 32-year-old rarity – a painting from Vaikuntam’s White series, which he no longer continues, owned by Lata herself. She reminisces about acquiring the piece at 22, “It was this exemplar of beauty that introduced vivid colors into my otherwise monochromatic and spiritless apartment in the US.” She expresses her admiration for Vaikuntam’s portrayal of women – robust, voluptuous, and reflecting realistic body types.
“Seeking Vaikuntam” extends an open invitation to art and fashion enthusiasts, running at Collage, Rutland Gate, Nungambakkam until January 26, from 11 am to 7 pm daily. Soak in an experience where art doesn’t just imitate life but comes draped in the elegance of handcrafted fashion, creating a symphony of cultural celebration that resonates long after one leaves the serene ambience of Collage boutique.
