Commissioned by Jawahar Kala Kendra and Curated by Rupali Gupte & Prasad Shetty.
‘When is space?’ intends to discuss the contemporary architecture and space making practices in India. Space here refers to the multi-scalar dimensions at which one thinks of architecture, from the idea of the universe, to collective institutional forms to the micro environments created around the self. The exhibition intends to ask the first question: ‘When is space?’ What does it take for space to happen? It hopes to put together a series of explorations in making space – by mobilizing claims, by constructing narratives, by recalibrating boundaries, by responding to contexts of economy and ecology and by interrogating the conventional processes that have produced space.
Located within the poignant spatiality of Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK) in Jaipur, the exhibition intends to converse with the ideas of Sawai Jai Singh and Charles Correa that produced the city of Jaipur and JKK. Through provocations that emerge from the ideas of these key figures, the exhibition invites thirty artists/architects who shall not only display their works, but also respond through a spatial intervention within JKK, at once folding in object and space.
A large part of the contemporary space making practices appear to be structured around three broad imperatives: first, computational and mathematical logics that are aided through a variety of devices including digital media; second, experiments in response to issues of building-type, craft and environment; and third, concerns regarding city and public that produce urbanistic practices of research and advocacy. In many ways, these three imperatives were also centrally evident within the pursuits of Jai Singh as well as Charles Correa. Their practice offers thus, a framework through which contemporary architectural production in India may be understood and analysed.
When is space? recognizes the expanded field of architecture and aims to generate critical commentaries on contemporary space making. It brings together a wide gamut of participants, including architects, artists, designers, researchers, urbanists, philosophers, architecture colleges and museums. How can different disciplines come together and productively engage in the pursuit of space making? What are the new vectors within which the practice as well as discourse of space can be conducted? This exhibition creates an effective landscape of new inquiries and invites a new spatial interrogation of its historical referents. Jawahar Kala Kendra is seen as a laboratory for an experiment that shall not only locate the present concerns of contemporary architecture, but also help trace its future trajectories.
The exhibition is curated by Rupali Gupte and Prasad Shetty and includes the works of Abin Design Studio, Anagram Architects, Anthill Design, Anuj Daga, Architecture Brio, Aayojan School of Architecture, Bhagwati Prasad, Dhruv Jani, Dronah, Gigi Scaria, Sir JJ College of Architecture & Mustansir Dalvi, Mad(e) in Mumbai, M. Pravat, Mancini, Mark Prime, Milind Mahale, Mathew & Ghosh, Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, Parul Gupta, M/s Prabhakar Bhagwat Studio, Prasad Khanolkar, Randhir Singh, Raqs Media Collective, Sameep Padora + Associates, Samir Raut, Samira Rathod Design Atelier, Seher Shah, Teja Gavankar, The Busride Design Studio, The Urban Project, Vikas Dilawari, Vishal K Dar.
The Curatorial Team includes: Anuj Daga (Assistant Curator), Milind Mahale (Product Designer), Dipti Bhaindarkar, Dhruv Chavan, Kaushal Vadake with support from School of Environment and Architecture.
Venue: Jawahar Kala Kendra
2, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Jhalana Doongri, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004, INDIA.