Kelly Wearstler, a prominent figure in contemporary design, has teamed up with the Mumbai-based gallery æquō to create two new capsule collections: Lahar and Tarang. This collaboration aims to spotlight the rich heritage of Indian crafts while integrating them into modern aesthetics.
Collaboration with æquō
Since its inception in 2019, æquō has focused on elevating often-overlooked Indian crafts through contemporary design. The gallery’s mission is to preserve these traditional techniques while showcasing their potential in modern contexts. Creative director Florence Louisy emphasizes the importance of collaboration, stating, “Our role is, first and foremost, to transmit our fascination with a craft and to ignite that same excitement in the designer.” This approach ensures that the essence of traditional craftsmanship is maintained throughout the design process.
Wearstler’s Design Process
Wearstler’s work on the Lahar and Tarang collections involved intensive residencies where she collaborated directly with artisans skilled in glass enameling, bronze casting, and burnt teak carpentry. “Understanding that lineage, that depth of expertise carried forward over time, transforms the way you approach the work,” Wearstler explains. This deep connection to history and craftsmanship informs her designs, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Features of the Collections
The Lahar collection features a striking 3D vector grid, characterized by Wearstler’s signature ‘wave-form’ motifs. This collection includes a limited edition bar cabinet, chinaware cabinet, console, coffee table, drink table, tray, table lamp, and vase, all showcasing a cast-metal surface treatment. The use of organic glass enamel panels adds a layer of texture and visual interest, resulting in designs that are both modern and timeless.
In contrast, the Tarang collection highlights the beauty of imperfection with hand-carved burnt teak wood furniture, including chairs, benches, and stools. The bronze overlay accentuates the manual craftsmanship, presenting a geometric form that celebrates traditional techniques.
Explore the Collections
Wearstler’s new works exemplify the fusion of ancient methods with contemporary design sensibilities. For a closer look at these innovative collections, visit kellywearstler.com.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
