Carving Young Futures – A Candid Interview With Gayatri Sekhri
A LAWYER WHO QUIT HER PRACTICE FOR THE LOVE OF ART, GAYATRI SEKHRI OF POMEGRANATE DESIGN AUCTIONED ‘THE HUMBLE MAN’ — A FIBERGLASS AND BRONZE SCULPTURE AT THE “ANNUAL INDIA ON CANVAS”, AN EVENT ORGANISED BY KHUSHII. IT IS AN NGO HEADED BY VETERAN CRICKETER KAPIL DEV THAT WORKS FOR UNPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES IN COLLABORATION WITH SOTHEBY’S, INDIA.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I finished my schooling from the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Delhi and then studied law at Durham University, UK. My family was passionate about movies and theatre and ran a jewellery business that spanned over three generations.
How did your interest in art and design begin?
After finishing my higher education, I began working as an advocate in New Delhi and Singapore for three years. But, it wasn’t long after that I had a creative epiphany. Design had always been a big influence in my life and the thought of a career in law just didn’t appeal to my creative side. So, I decided to follow my dream to become an artist.
When and how was Pomegranate Design set up? What is the vision of the brand?
Pomegranate Design was launched in 2014 with Ronak Sekhri and Akshay Sekhri. It is a multi-disciplinary design studio offering a full spectrum of design and execution services including architecture, construction, interior design, art décor and event décor. Unprecedented in approach, Pomegranate offers a complete array of design and execution services provided under one roof.
Based out of New Delhi, the Pomegranate team is a young and thriving group of like-minded, creatives, all driven by a passion for design. The team works across a diverse set of design disciplines and varied typologies to provide unique, holistic and innovative design solutions. Working in close collaboration with consultants, the intent is to let the design process arrive at novel solutions.
Tell us about the process of curating sculptures?
The vision for my sculpture collection is to create an environment for enthusiasts that blends nature’s beauty with inspiring works of art, free from the constraints of enclosed spaces of a traditional gallery. All pieces have been carefully sculpted and curated to ensure that each piece is positioned to enhance its own aesthetic qualities as well as the overall visual surroundings.
Can you name three sculptors who have inspired you?
Works of Henry Moore and Lorenzo Quinn have really inspired me, as they are expressive and emotive. Closer to home, I love Subodh Gupta’s work. His entire body of work, ranging from photography, sculptures to installations is very inspirational.
How do you think the art scene in India has progressed in the last decade?
The art scene here is very diverse because of the historical material available and the cutting-edge works by leading and emerging artists. India’s rise as a major power has led to a new-found fascination for art in terms of its cultural and investment value. The value of modern and contemporary Indian art still represents just a fraction of the global share, which leaves immense scope for growth and expansion. It has potential since it’s undervalued in comparison to international art. However, I do see it catching up fast when it comes to quality, versatility and experimentation.
What makes your design contemporary?
My work is an example of an attitude rather than a design exercise. Instead of planning in isolation, design for me is an evolutionary and an inclusive process where each piece of art is a shared experience between me and my clients. My design is contemporary in the sense that I explore the traditional craft and cutting edge technology simultaneously.
INCLUSIVITY: “MY WORK IS AN EXAMPLE OF AN ATTITUDE RATHER THAN A DESIGN EXERCISE. INSTEAD OF PLANNING IN ISOLATION, DESIGN FOR ME IS EVOLUTIONARY”
How and why do you think customised art is now gaining momentum in the industry?
This is happening because we can achieve spectacular results by collaborating with a client. We can individualise a living space, and create a dramatical focal point in your home or office.
What is it like to work in an organisation that’s multi-disciplined?
There is a great synergy between all our verticals at Pomegranate Design with no fixed stylistic attitude, materials, technology, client brief, program and context — all are key elements to our design approach.
What have been your most challenging projects so far?
A residential project in Delhi executed by Pomegranate architecture which was 350 sq. yards, was a challenging space, as the client wanted a lot of openness and character. Pomegranate event décor also designed a wedding reception around an enchanted garden theme. The whimsical entrance was created with rows of cherry blossoms trees. We tied up with three of India’s best names in food, Hyatt, Taj and ITC, to recreate 11 of India’s best restaurants. We took care of everything in detail, to match the interiors of each restaurant at the wedding with that of the actual space in the hotels.
