'Everyday, Play A Little' exhibition brings out that sense of whimsy

Almost all creativity involves purposeful play
—Abraham Maslow, American psychologist

Wandering around Baro early this week, I feel a little like Alice in Wonderland. The furniture store nestled inside Sun Mill Compound in Lower Parel has been transformed into a dollhouse. Telling whimsical stories of Jaipur and beyond, the one of a kind experiential exhibition being held here till October 11, is titled Everyday, Play A Little. It’s a collaboration between Baro and Wolf from Jaipur, creative partners Ritu and Surya Singh. And as I take a stroll inside the store, I find little nooks and corners that draw me in with their creativity and imagination.

The storytellers

A brilliant tree made of old magazines catches our eye as we step inside the store. Srila Chatterjee, who co-founded Baro, tells us that this creative collaboration with Wolf, is for people to come with an open mind and enjoy the ‘play’. “We want them to wander in, discover things and delve into whatever interests them,” she says. Speaking of things that interest us, there are many. Whether it’s the Surat-based design house Shed, which explores the fascinating world of spinning tops or the old world charm of puraane bartan by O’de’Gulabee, everything tells a story. Brigitte Singh, the world-renowned artisan has sent her archival collection of rag dolls, while Umrao has sent a feast for the eyes — beautiful jewellery that Baro has displayed on the table to admire. 

At the display of Rajasthan Fabrics and Arts, the legendary collector of old and antique textiles, there are three words formed from rice ‘nazar, khabar, sabar’. “First you look at it, then you spread the word and then you patiently let it assimilate into you so you can understand what it is,” explains Srila. Everywhere you look, there is something to admire, whether it’s a handwoven towel, jamdani stoles or the collection of shawls and saris. 

Put on a show

For Ritu, or the Chief Wolf as Srila calls her, it was a challenge putting up a show like this. “We love it!” she exclaims with a laugh. “It’s like theatre. You put on the clips and hang the fabrics and put up a show.” With their philosophy of repurposing and upscaling, the 12 special pieces they have on display here, are mainly made up of scrap material, including old vintage photographs, old magazines and discarded wedding cards. While one artwork, titled ‘Peculiar Children’ pays a tribute to the fantasy world of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, another is decorated with lunchboxes, a homage to Mumbai’s dabbawallahs. 

“For the people who walk in, I think it’s a sense of whimsy that draws them in — to feel that it’s fun and to feel the good vibes. If it’s play, it must be a place of positivity,” she adds.