Art and Design Exhibition Showcases South Asian Diaspora Voices in London

In the bustling city of London, a unique art exhibition has emerged, curated by collector Rajan Bijlani, alongside co-curators Michael Jefferson and Truls Blaasmo. The exhibition, housed in the historic Fonthill Pottery townhouse, brings together works by six artists of South Asian descent, presenting a distinctive fusion of art and design.

Bijlani, who has spent over 20 years collecting furniture designed by Pierre Jeanneret from the Indian city of Chandigarh, collaborates with Jefferson, a former design specialist from Christie’s, and independent curator Blaasmo, to showcase a vibrant collection of art within the context of domestic living. The show, entitled “Syncretic Voices: Art & Design in the South Asian Diaspora,” features both painting and sculpture for sale, integrating them into a lively residential setting.

Among the highlighted pieces is Lubna Chowdhary’s hand-glazed ceramic tile, “Marker 70,” prominently displayed in the ground floor kitchen. The dining space features Soumya Netrabile’s abstract paintings, which complement the vintage Jeanneret teak dining table with its natural patina. Meanwhile, the outdoor terrace displays Begum‘s fluorescent “No. 1261 T Reflector,” a captivating addition to the garden space.

Michael Jefferson remarks, “When people live with their art, it’s totally different from experiencing it in a white-cube gallery. Here, artworks take on a different life and connection.” Rajan Bijlani adds, “While some art might work aesthetically in a home, it carries different meanings. The integration of art with interior design creates conversations and evokes unique narratives.”

The collection emphasizes a keen attention to the artisanal history of each piece. Rajan Bijlani’s appreciation for the stories contained within the furniture highlights a view that each piece retains its life force and narrative through the wear and repairs it bears. “This is the great thing about furniture,” says Jefferson. “It absorbs the life force of its journey and history.”

The exhibition, which opened to the public on October 9 and runs until November 1, 2024, aims to explore themes of migration, identity, and syncretism through the lens of diasporic experiences. Bijlani notes the broader reflections these works offer on heritage and cultural fusion, saying, “We’re all connected, regardless of where we’re from.”