This series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveils the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offers different views to suit all tastes. Today we speak with Abhirup Dutta & Deeptashree Saha from The Vernacular Modern.

C: What role does storytelling play in enhancing the value and appreciation of collectible design objects within a collector’s portfolio?

Abhirup Dutta & Deeptashree Saha: Nothing exists in a vacuum; context is essential. The story and journey of the
maker provide the crucial narrative needed to understand a design fully. The design serves as a canvas for the maker to express their experiences, emotions, and learnings. When Collectors acquire such pieces, they are not merely buying a work of art but becoming patrons of the designer's personal journey and experiences. This intangible aspect of the creation, woven into the fabric of the design, makes it a unique collectible, capturing a depth that cannot be replicated or fully appreciated otherwise.

C: What dialogue are your bringing this year to COLLECTIBLE?

AD & DS: Showcasing at COLLECTIBLE New York 2024, The Vernacular Modern celebrates  vernacular techniques and knowledge that inspire them, using locally sourced materials and  craftsmanship. Through thoughtful design, the collection brings these time-honored  practices to the forefront, blending them with contemporary aesthetics to create unique,  meaningful works that resonate with both history and contemporary. The Vernacular  Modern's showcase is a tribute to the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship in today’s  design landscape.

C: How can collectible design be a representation or reaction to the current societal, political or economic questions?

AD & DS: Those in power have often prioritized personal gain over the sustainability of marginalized communities and the environmental legacy we leave behind. Our actions are significant. Rural and tribal communities possess wisdom on living harmoniously with nature, without causing harm. It’s time to reconnect with these  lost practices and seek ways to sustain them.  The Vernacular Modern embraces this philosophy, aiming to honor and revitalize  these traditions through its collective design body of work, fostering pride in artisans' sustainable and respectful way of living.

C: Can you talk about a new piece / collection that you release for COLLECTIBLE  this year?

AD & DS: The Collection Ubhaychar explores the boundary between land and water, featuring three  pieces: Ghariyal Pittikai (a bench), Mati Deewar (a partition), and Taral (a wall art).  Showcasing at COLLECTIBLE New York 2024, it celebrates vernacular techniques and  knowledge that inspire us, using locally sourced materials and craftsmanship. 

Ghariyal Pittikai  

‘Ghariyal Pittikai’ is a bench made in teak with wood inlay detail and organic legs made in  aged Teak veneer. 

The piece is satirical take on the imbalance of humans and nature. Today both Gharial & the  craft of Mysore’s Wood Inlay is at the verge of extinction. The artwork on the bench  celebrates a Ghariyal’s body in full scale appreciating the beauty of the scale texture through  wood inlay detail entirely made in the Kadakshi wood with sea shells used as eye detail;  thoughtful placement of the pieces adds charm & soul to the bench.  

Taral  

Taral is a wall art inspired by the fluidity and movement of water, capturing this essence  through the ancient craft of Pittai metalworking. Pittai is a traditional metalworking technique  known for its ability to create organic, flowing shapes that mimic the natural world. The brass  is shaped into fluid, undulating forms that resemble the ripples and reflections of water;  celebrating the imperfections that make handcrafted items truly special. 

Mati Deewar  

Mati Deewar is a partition drawing inspiration from the traditional Mati (mud) houses of rural  India, which have been a symbol of sustainable living for centuries. The partition is crafted  using natural local soil, mixed with old cotton fibers and other organic materials, a technique  that harks back to the age-old practices of building earthen Deewar (Wall); each panel held  with Solid brass pivots handcrafted inhouse.  

The use of soil as a primary material maintains a strong connection to the land, grounding  modern interiors in earthy humble textures of nostalgia.