Harmony in Diversity: Sahil & Sarthak reinterprets the Xmas tree for London’s V&A Museum

New Delhi based designers and EDIDA winners Sahil Bagga and Sarthak Sengupta’s grand artwork at the London’s Victoria and Albert museum is not only a visual masterpiece, but is also a juxtaposition of two cultures.
As a part of the museum’s tribute to India, their light installation stands as a metaphor for the celebration of prosperity and ecology. Inspired by nature’s beauty, colours, flora and fauna, Kalpataru: The Wishing Tree is also representative of the Christmas Tree and Diwali with Indian rituals reflected through the use of freestanding motifs. The central tree is shaped like a tulsi leaf and surrounding it are the mango, banana, champa, jack fruit and lotus plant motifs; all significant to daily Indian rituals.
The entire structure, which will be up till January 6, consists of 130 separate parts. The designers had 40 working days from the initial concept stage to final production. With the frame made of beaten brass and enriched with Kerala style mural paintings, the project “was completed in just 25 days”. “Apart from the celebration of Christmas and Diwali, this installation also pays an ode to Indian craftsmanship,” share the duo. Standing tall as a symbol of peace and togetherness, it rekindles our faith in a world currently afflicted with religious discord.
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, LondonWhen: Till January 6, 2016Website: www.vam.ac.uk