When the glassmakers of Firozabad have been glass-blowing to mold exquisite and marvelous creations, for the past 200 years, then setting up India’s first art glass studio in Mumbai, is a matter of heritage pride. Named the Rural Modern Glass Studio, established in 2021, is a converging place for artists and designers to come together to explore glass-blowing techniques for building tableware, lighting, home decor, and all that our eyes can savor. The co-founder behind this flamboyant studio is Arjun Rathi.
Arjun Rathi: Infusing Playfulness and Contemporary Flair into Glass Design
Mumbai-based Arjun Rathi has always been known for being a playful character with glass, embracing its existence of almost 3000 years and enhancing its near future with a little bit of fun and a contemporary touch. He is the founder of Arjun Rathi Design, his mainstream studio, excelling in multidisciplinary sectors like architecture and lighting. Arjun Rathi Design has done numerous projects for residences, hospitality, and commercial places and has given a line of products like Loop Lamp, J Lamp, Wavelength, etc.
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Light Series Illuminating Cultural Essence
That’s where peeps in Arjun Rathi’s sui generis light series- Gulmohar Bloom. Indian decoration, festivals, and celebrations are imperfect without the use of the bright gulmohar veil. And keeping in mind, this cultural essence of the flora, the Gulmohar light series is vividly vibrant. This light series is an installation, located at a 25,000 sq ft space, Almond in its Pre-Function area. The Gulmohar Bloom series has an intriguing constructive journey. Starting from its brass branches which have been embellished with 200 glass rondels, all hand-blown to perfection.
The installation itself spreads over an area of 1300 sq feet of ceiling area. The two main branches diagonally intersect each other and the mingling of glass is what imitates a masterpiece. The glass is tinted with pop vermillion, Gulmohar yellow, and orange, while an assortment of marble-finished glass globes speaks of a modern touch. The web of branches spreads out to whisper the grandeur of nature, while the glass pieces dance like appealing floral elements. Be it Arjun Rathi Design or the Rural Modern Glass studio, Arjun Rathi has always given one vital takeaway: heavy and precise processes lead to classic and timeless pieces.
