What is the importance of the preservation, revival and revolution of existing traditional handicrafts today? Join designer Gunjan Gupta and Head of Artisans Engagement Michelangelo Foundation and Editor in Chief of Homo Faber Guide, Andrea Tomasi in a dialogue highlighting the scope of integrating traditional crafts in a contemporary context, with innovation, sustainability, scalability and a touch of luxury.
Generously supported by JSW and curated by researcher and arts manager, Priya Chauhan, ART ACROSS —— celebrates the power of critical dialogue and the critical need for celebrating the arts. Spanning key issues in art, design and architecture from a variety of perspectives including from institutions, market experts, philanthropists and creatives, the series aims to foster an inclusive platform to explore contemporary culture, with South Asia at its centre. All talks will also be conducted in Indian Sign Language.
Gunjan Gupta: Gunjan, a Masters Graduate from the Central St. Martin’s College, is the founder of Studio Wrap, a successful product & interior design practise. With a trademark playful approach towards material and form, her recognisable works have been showcased Internationally at leading design platforms like Design Miami, Sotheby’s London and collected by prestigious institutions like MAD Paris, M+ plus Hongkong and Vitra Design Museum. A strong advocate of craft, her perspectives are communicated via collectible design objects, curatorial roles and Ikkis, a product design brand for 21st Century living.
Andrea Tomasi: Andrea Tomasi graduated in Art, Music and Performing arts disciplines at DAMS in Bologna and has worked for twenty years as a journalist and editor in several international newspapers.In 2018, on the occasion of the first edition of Homo Faber, a celebratory event dedicated to excellent craftsmanship that takes place every two years in Venice, he began his collaboration with the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. In addition to assisting the Michelangelo Foundation’s director, Alberto Cavalli, in the general curatorial work of the event, he is the Editor in Chief of the Homo Faber Guide, an online guide to more than 3000 artisans in 46 countries around the world, and the Head of the Artisans Engagement pool within the Foundation.