Raksha Sanikam, a prominent curator, has unveiled House of Santal, a new gallery dedicated to South Asian furniture, situated within a former corporate space in Midtown Manhattan. The gallery's debut exhibition, named "Edition 1," is thoughtfully arranged around elevated platforms that evoke the traditional central courtyards found in historic Indian residences, presenting a curated selection of contemporary designs from the region.
The House of Santal serves as a vital platform for both emerging and established designers from South Asia, aiming to introduce their innovative works to a broader international audience. Located on the tenth floor of a Manhattan skyscraper, the expansive 8,000-square-foot venue, once an office, now houses an impressive array of furniture and art. "Edition 1" highlights the creations of 13 Indian designers and studios, showcasing diverse pieces including rugs, seating, tables, wall installations, and swings.
Central to the exhibition's layout are striking deep red plinths, strategically placed to display a variety of chairs and stools. Among these are a intricately woven stainless steel lounge chair by Upasana Jain and a beautifully sculpted teak chair crafted by Akshay and Avani Khurana. This central arrangement is deliberately reminiscent of the courtyards found in grand, historical homes across northern and southern India, spaces that traditionally served as a 'living gallery' for domestic architecture.
Beyond the main display, surrounding rooms, delineated by minimalist partitions, feature intimate vignettes. These smaller showcases emphasize particular materials, traditional craftsmanship, and forward-thinking design concepts. The gallery articulates that the 'courtyard' design principle guides visitor flow, creating a series of distinct transitions that lead through various displays. This intentional journey allows visitors to encounter each object gradually, fostering a deeper appreciation for its context and artistry.
Notable pieces in these smaller settings include the Beevi Pai Swing, a collaborative work by Veeram Shah and Majja Design. This standalone swing, inspired by Corbusier's sculptural forms, combines a teak frame with a hand-woven Pattamadai mat seat. Elsewhere, two swings by Nishita Kamdar hang harmoniously side by side, while a magnificent silver fiberboard wall sculpture by Aashka Desai commands attention on a distant wall, with its reflection mirroring on the floor below. An additional area, possibly a former boardroom, provided a setting for refreshments, blending art with hospitality.
Curator Raksha Sanikam expressed that the decision to establish the gallery in Manhattan was a deliberate move to integrate South Asian design into the global contemporary design conversation. She noted Manhattan's status as a cultural melting pot where international design dialogues naturally unfold. By positioning the gallery there, the aim is to ensure that South Asian designers and makers are recognized not merely for regional craft, but as integral contributors to the worldwide contemporary design movement, simultaneously encouraging collaborations between South Asia and New York.
The House of Santal is scheduled to operate from its Midtown location until the summer, after which its future plans will be re-evaluated. India, with its rich history of intricate design and architecture, has recently garnered significant attention from the global design community. Design principal Amit Khanna has previously discussed the unprecedented scale of construction in the country, while the opening of British consumer technology brand Nothing's second store in India suggests the nation's burgeoning potential to become a leading design hub.
The debut of House of Santal in New York marks a significant step in elevating South Asian design on the international stage. Through its thoughtful curation and immersive exhibition design, the gallery successfully bridges traditional aesthetics with contemporary innovation. By creating a dialogue between diverse cultural influences, it not only celebrates the unique craftsmanship of Indian designers but also champions their place within the global art and design landscape, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.