Indian Ocean
Fusion of Fashion and Art
Art is something that has always fascinated us. From expressionism to abstract to realism - we at About Eve always enjoy art. It's that one place we're able to lose ourselves in a daydream that's unique to only us. Recently, we were invited to Shailly Gupta's first solo exhibition at Tea Bird Tea House in Bangsar. Read more about our experience at this emerging artist's exhibition on the fusion of fashion and art.
Eve Writes | 10 December 2018
Life & Culture : Feature
Van Gogh-inspired clutch, The Cherry Blossom
To some, fashion is an art form. And to some, fashion is not entirely art. Perhaps it's a matter of perspective and interpretation because after all, isn't that what art and/or fashion is about? However, how do you marry both and still achieve the symbiosis that enthusiasts from each party can appreciate?
Indian Ocean is a brand that ventured into this waters and perhaps, they might just be able to pull it off.
Exhibiting for the first time at Tea Bird Tea House in Jalan Telawi Bangsar, Indian Ocean showcased both painted artworks and fashionable clutches. What makes this brand unique is how the painted artworks are also available in their matching clutches.
In her first solo art and fashion showcase, the eyes, mind, and soul behind Indian Ocean is Shailly Gupta, an emerging artist from India who's making waves and her mark in Malaysia's art scene. The Art and Fashion Showcase was held throughout the month of November and About Eve received exclusive invitation to discover the original pieces by Shailly. There were more than 20 pieces of artwork on display during the showcase and they all offered a perspective and glimpse into this new artist's world.
Showcasing artworks ranging from abstract to expressionism, Shailly has been painting for more than 4 years now. Each of her artwork is fluid and it transitions from the obvious to the more obscure. One may notice how colors play a major role in this artist's work and psyche for each artwork bears that vibrant, solid colors that scream out energy and movement to anyone who looks at her art. Even if a piece is more somber and pensive, Shailly incorporates colors in the most unexpected of strokes and moods.
In spite of the undoubtedly stunning artworks and intimacy during the exhibition, we can't help but feel just a little lost at sea when viewing Shailly's work in a bird's-eye point of view.
It may be the intention or the way she expresses her energy and thoughts, but we had a sense of disorientation in grasping the dynamics of what Shailly was trying to emote. There was a little excitement here, a little nostalgia there, a drop of melancholy creeping its way in that we feel Shailly is still discovering herself as an artist. Her raw talent that's apparent from painting to painting captivated us, there was no question.
But looking at her work from a wider perspective, we were curious to know who is the real Shailly Gupta. Perhaps as Shailly takes on more challenging emotions to translate into her paintings and she discovers her signature in those emotions, she would be able to depict her dynamics and synergy in a more profound way.
Even though we felt a little lost at times, Shailly's art, as we said, thoroughly captivated us.
Colors and textures are very important to me.
They can translate how I feel and what I think whenever I pick up the paintbrush.
We found ourselves spending more than three hours at her exhibition. Now, we wouldn't do that if there was nothing to discover. Each of her artwork takes you by the hand and holds on to it as your eyes feast on the bold strokes, the delicate lines, the mixed medium used, and the sheer music that she created through movement and colors.
Shailly's painting on display at the Tea Bird Tea House
Some of Shailly's work, capturing her home in India
The Flag (left) and The Namesake Series (right)
Venturing to bridge the gap between fashion and art, Shailly turns towards the fusion, where her artworks are turned into wearable art in the form of clutches. Dainty and delicate, these clutches are suitable for both day and evening use. With a tagline of "Carry your own story," Shailly doesn't always create many pieces of each collection. Fashion and art lovers are able to make an order on the clutches, but Shailly, just like her work, keeps her collection intimate. One design may only have 2-3 pieces and it can take several weeks before another piece is available.
However, from what we've learned, Shailly's fans and customers are more than happy to wait for their favorite clutches to become available. When we saw these clutches collections for ourselves, we can understand why.
Each piece is made of high quality material and you can see every aspect of its production is given the utmost attention. From the rich material of the vibrantly colored inner lining to the clasp to the chain to the stitching of the label inside, Indian Ocean clutches are truly a labor of love. When you click the clutch open, you almost feel like you're discovering a new world inside. And yes, it's roomy too. We know how sometimes clutches can only be good for your phone and a lipstick, and if you're lucky, maybe a slim compact; but Indian Ocean clutches offer a surprisingly roomy space inside and yet it's solid and sturdy on the outside even though it's petite and dainty.
The Red Sky (top) and one inspired by Penang sunset (bottom)
The wonderful design of Indian Ocean clutches
Indian Ocean clutches come in several collections. The Fresco, for example, is inspired by Shailly's admiration for Islamic art. She was drawn to the intricate patterns of this art form during her stay in Malaysia as well as during her travels in the Middle Eastern countries. The Madera collection is inspired by her passion and love for the colors, movements, and beauties of Mother Nature has to offer. To celebrate the powerful women and also to translate the love she has for one of her favorite places in the world, Shailly presents the Tudor collection. The clutches in this collection depicts the portraits of England's matriarch monarchy.
Whether you're a fashionista or an art lover, we believe Shailly offers that calm waters and in turn bridging the gulf, if there was one, between art and fashion.
You can discover more of Indian Ocean clutches on our Eve Shop and more of Shailly's painting at her website.
Clockwise: Fresco, Constellations, Sky Sage, and Sea Sage
The various designs from Indian Ocean's collections
Tea Bird Tea House at 83, Jalan Telawi Bangsar is an intimate event space, offering itself as private place for a quiet get together.
You can get in touch with them if you would like to learn more about this place for your next exhibition and/or function.
You can find Indian Ocean and Shailly Gupta on:
