ISSUE NO. 08

An October Issue

Lately, I’ve been drawn to the idea of letting things evolve—letting beauty emerge from the mess. Ideas need space to breathe with imperfections and all. More like experiments in possibility. There’s something freeing in that—embracing what’s unfinished and seeing where it leads.

It makes me wonder how often we hold onto control—trying to keep things neat and predictable. But the most beautiful moments—whether in art, design, or life—tend to happen when we allow space for the unexpected. Maybe it’s less about building perfection and more about leaning into the messy, organic process of becoming.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

Molding Ideas, One Clay Sculpture at a Time

Tucked away in the Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood in Mexico City is a lush hideaway that’s shrouded by tall walls and tropical plants. Designed by Giancarlo Valle in collaboration with local artisans, they intentionally disrupt the clean lines and order of neoclassical architecture.

Neoclassical Charm & Tropical Architecture

Valle isn’t just playing with clay—he’s shaping ideas. His studio uses handcrafted models to experiment, evolve, and connect his work. This approach uses a hands-on process that embraces imperfection—inviting projects to grow and transform organically.

Design Through Experimentation

Design is all about getting your hands dirty—literally. By shaping miniature clay models, he quickly sketches ideas and adapts concepts as they evolve during the process. It’s a bit like sculpting inspiration from chaos and blurring lines between architecture and interiors into one common language.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

London: A Curatorial Exhibition in a Historic Residence

Syncretic Voices: Art & Design in the South Asian Diaspora is an offbeat exhibition inside a stunning historic London townhouse. Set in a home rather than a gallery, the exhibition is inspired by a mission to conserve the Chandigarh legacy while showing how design, art, and culture merge within a lived-in space, offering a more intimate experience.

Home is Where the Art Is

Rajan Bijlani—a British-Indian collector and owner—has amassed over 500 pieces of Pierre Jeanneret’s Chandigarh furniture and artfully pairs them with works by six South Asian artists.

This exhibition isn’t just about displaying art—it reflects the shared experiences of the South Asian diaspora, rooted in the 1947 Partition of India. Despite the upheaval that destroyed communities and cultures, stories and memories have been passed down through generations—creating rich cultural narratives.

Thinking Outside the (White) Box

This exhibition breaks away from typical ‘white wall’ galleries by showing art in a real, lived-in space—adding a personal touch and showing how surroundings shape our perceptions of identity and belonging. Bijlani believes this approach encourages intimate reflection on cultural connection and resilience.

VISUAL COMFORT

Being and Nothingness — A Discourse on Identity

Stainless steel is a common material in Singapore and is found in everything from railings to food stalls. Nathan Yong—a well-known Singaporean designer known for his exploration of identity through industrial design—uses his latest collection to explore themes of cultural identity and social displacement.

Urban Growth, Cultural Displacement

The furniture’s shiny, polished surfaces feel both visually pleasing and distant. This contrast reflects how rapid urban growth can strip away individuality and cultural roots. The collection highlights the tension between progress and personal identity.

The Cost of Modernization

It also reflects the dual nature of modern urban life—showing how materials tied to progress can also evoke feelings of alienation and sameness. By blending art and design, we’re invited to reflect on how everyday environments shape emotional experiences, urging us to rethink what we gain—and lose—in the pursuit of progress.

DESIGNER PICKS

Things I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Juntos’ Arc Bench

The elongated profile of this piece encourages social interaction during gatherings or intimate conversations. Its soft valleys and peaks, along with striking chevron legs, beautifully blend form and function—making it a versatile addition to various settings from cozy living rooms to modern lounges.

Nassar’s Historical Textiles

Nassar's use of tatreez—a traditional Palestinian embroidery technique—turns this cultural art form into stunning landscapes rich in history. His work, displayed at Art Basel, shows how art can go beyond its typical boundaries to enhance our living spaces. By doing so, it not only adds beauty but also encourages important conversations about culture and identity.

Moooi’s Shape Rugs

These abstract rug designs capture movement and energy—transforming any space into a dynamic visual experience. Whether layered on the floor or hung on the wall—these rugs challenge conventional norms and add a playful touch that elevates both interiors and artistic expression.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in October

Some stories feel like echoes. Art entwined with personal history makes me think about how spaces shape identity. Maybe life, like design, is about balance—letting form shift and moments flow. We just have to stop, notice, and let it unfold—I’ll see you next week, my friend.