Client: Kalaari Capital

Overview

KStart is an incubation hub (12,000 sft ) – a space for different teams of entrepreneurs to work in an environment rich in stimuli, flexible enough to accommodate various team configurations and capable of hosting events, launches, discussions, etc.

Goals

Right from the start our client, Vani Kola of Kalaari Capital, was interested in commissioning site specific art for the space and brought on board the celebrated local artist KK Raghava to curate the art. He set up a short term residency and invited other artists like Shilo Shiv Suleman, Sean Stevens and Nikhil More to develop a narrative and collaborate with us to integrate art into the interior design of the space. Working closely with the artists we developed strategies to light, mount and celebrate the artwork.
Using a simple palette of materials (natural stone, brick, cement floors and timber) we sought to create an appropriate backdrop for the art, highlighting the work produced and creating a conducive environment for the art to be enjoyed.

Process

The client leased out a small space adjacent to the office where the artists worked. Most of the art was produced here - in the span of one frenetic month. The artists were practically living on site and we were often conducting site visits late at night, going back and forth between the ‘studio’ and the ‘site’ - artists fine tuning their responses and us creating the appropriate context.

Additional Information

Its a perfect example where great client patronage leads to integration of outstanding design and exceptional art enhancing each other.