Notes

Circumambulating the historical past of time

Art and Culture,Recreation & Leisure,Entertainment
Is this free article related to this category?

get more info hold poignant reflection as connecting hyperlinks as they silver-tongue India’s awe-inspiring historical narrative at the ongoing ‘India and the World: A History in Nine Stories’ exhibition at the CSMVS, Mumbai…
The din of the outside world ceased to exist, once I entered a dark hall and set sight on two stone hand axes from India and Tanzania glistening within the distance, beckoning to be ‘discovered’. The singular radiance of these and other objects like pottery, as soon as found in dark caves, however now sharing an ephemeral area within these coarsely-textured, contoured walls… paying homage to the traditional metropolis of Petra.

Stepping from one object of intrigue to another, I silently acknowledged a seamless spatial sequence that was taking me through the exhibition, wholesomely engaging me in an immersive, uninterrupted viewing expertise. Every one of many 200 objects and works of art from museums within the Indian subcontinent and the British Museum in London are placed in a state of juxtaposition, at all times in dialogue with each other.

Architects Brinda Somaya and Nandini Sampat of Somaya & Kalappa Consultants, who're the exhibition designers for this imagistic sumptuousness have tried to create a visible metaphor for the cyclical nature of time utilizing the metonymy museum design method. The outcome: the exhibition generates a collective narrative - that of the story of ‘Time’ as seen via the lens of India in opposition to the backdrop of comparable occurrences in other parts of the world - even as it offers an perception into the story behind each of its 200-odd objects.

The meticulous design of the broad sections - from the prehistoric period to the current - is an exercise in congruence and context. Defined by one-off atmospheres and accentuated by colours, textures and theme-based elements, spaces carry a singular narrative. For example, the location of deep-red panels with graphic ornate columns and two gateway objects - fragmented pillars from the Mauryan and Achaemenid Persian empires - marks the emergence of scale and grandeur in the age of empires.

In stark contrast, the neutral silver-grey background of the ‘State and Faith’ part highlights precious cash plastered with the imagery of rulers and their religion. In ‘Picturing the Divine’, every religious sculpture commands attention; but, converses with the opposite.

Further alongside, a deep blue room brimming with porcelain, textiles and tomb stones chronicles the dissemination of data, culture and custom because of maritime trade through the Indian Ocean; whereas a stately grey-washed area holds objects from Indian courts mirrored by objects from overseas courts, segregated by an archway.

As I transfer up the stairs into the next all-white space interspersed with meshes, the narrative depicting globalization and transparency, it dawns on me - it is at junctions similar to these that the whole point of the exhibition becomes clear.

It isn't the history of India. It is but one of the historic discourses of India interpolated in opposition to the relatable happenings all over the world throughout the same time frame. Viewing the objects in juxtaposition thus, makes for mesmeric delight for a history and culture buff like me.

Additional info see myself approaching darkness, as soon as again - the sensation in contrast to that tangible moment of discovery within the cavernous first part. My mind floats by way of the all-black house of ‘Time Unbound’, the place LN Thallur’s Unicode, surrounded by mirrors and darkness, augments this seemingly infinite nature of time. I stand. I stare. I imbibe…slowly making approach to exit the vortex, and once again encounter the chaotic realities of our world.

Exhibition: India & the world: a history in 9 tales Venue: CSMVS Museum, 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai- 400032 Dates: Nov. 11 – Feb.18, 2017 Timing: 10.15 am – 6 pm

check out the pictures on indiaartndesign.com

Related Articles - historical past, museum, exhibition design, display design, institutional structure, interactive design, India and the world,

Email this Article to a Friend!

Receive Articles like this one direct to your e-mail box!
Subscribe free of charge today!
Homepage: https://www.metooo.io/u/65a20440a02c3b1ea3c1478a