Sotheby’s London to host ‘Inspired by India’

London: Sotheby’s London has announced hosting “Inspired by India”, a selling exhibition of contemporary design from May 8th – 15th 2012. The show features textiles, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and photography by established designers, such as Alice Cicolini, Rahul Kumar and Sabyashachi Mukherjee and up-and-coming artists such as Els Woldhek and Pia Wustenberg, all of whom have been inspired by the culture, colours and crafts of India. Their work demonstrates how traditional Indian skills can be incorporated into lively, contemporary work full of excitement and surprise. The exhibition is curated by tastemaker Janice Blackburn and designed by Tricia Guild of Designers Guild.

The selling exhibition will feature a unique collection of shawls by Christina Kim, of the iconic fashion brand Dosa. For more than two decades Christina has researched artisan-made materials and traditions. Pioneering textile designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s stunning wedding saris, and a range of specially commissioned shawls and headbands will also be showcased.

Alice Cicolini’s distinctive jewellery enamelled in Jaipur by one of the last remaining master enamellers, and set with precious and semi-precious stones will be offered for sale.

Wrap, India’s first contemporary luxury design company, which takes its name from the ancient ‘wrapping technique’ used to make royal thrones in 17th Century Jaipur, will be showing stunning wood furniture wrapped in gold and silver. Delhi-based potter Rahul Kumar has made a unique series of pots for “Inspired by India”, all in red clay.

The show will also feature Milan-based Luisa Cevesa’s exclusive bags and table accessories incorporating sari fabrics sourced from rural villages. Photographer Gita Pandit’s often humorous observations of contemporary Indian life will be offered alongside a wonderful collection of vintage Bollywood film posters from Indian Hippy Mumbai.