Stage is Set

The annual exhibition by INIFD's Academy of Interiors showcases different set designs with interesting themes created by students

When it comes to interesting interior themes and designs, INIFD’s annual exhibition is a much looked forward to show. Presented by students of the Academy of Interiors, the exhibition titled ‘INIFD STUDIO’ sees students work on different themes and recreate it all in different rooms on campus. In this edition, the focus is on set design for theatre and movies.

Drawing inspiration from different architecture and decor styles like Greek, Roman, Baroque, Egyptian, Gothic and Oriental, students have used number of techniques and material to recreate the same.
There’s ‘Greek Odyssey’ set which makes a dramatic start to the show and is characterised with its tall columns and arches. It is interesting to see the students dressed in Roman clothing.

There’s also a ‘Venetian Piazza’ set which has been designed keeping in mind the feeling of walking through a Venetian street with its semi-circular arches, ornamented capitals, columns, heavy cornice, rose window etc. A relaxing sitting place has been is created with highly ornamented wall with architectural elements in the background.

The third studio is ‘Moroccan Raid’ which depicts a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden/courtyard as its key element. This comprises a room with low seating, courtyard extending to the garden, small rooms with a relaxed seating, stencil work on the walls and ceilings, and geometric patterns on the floor.

Next up is the ‘Strand of Nile’ studio which depicts the Egyptian architecture of ancient Egypt. This setting has been used to depict the life of one of the youngest and the most famous Pharaohs (King) of Egypt, Tutankhamun. Columns and piers covered with hieroglyphic and pictorial frescoes are things that will intrigue you here.

Showcasing the English royalty is ‘Regal Renaissance’ set which brings in windows, staircase, gold objects, furniture, metal works, and candlesticks along with mouldings, flat and patterned wooden ceilings. A theatrical living room set has been created here.

Also a part of the line-up is ‘Elegance in Flow’ set which recreates a ballroom, depicting the Baroque architecture. This is a style of architecture that is known for being exaggerated. To add an element of fun, students dressed in vintage clothing also take to the dance floor here. The various aspects of Baroque style that are done up in this area are motifs, frescos, cornices, mouldings, arches in vibrant colours.

The ‘Oriental Palette’ set showcases the architectural styles and cultures of the eastern part of Asia i.e. Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand and other prominent Eastern societies. In this area, students have tried to recreate a serene ambience with a Japanese Pergola and a cherry blossom garden. A sitting area has been given in the Pergola to create a garden effect. The stone effect with three niches, paintings and bamboos have been used to create different walls effects.

Finally, Studio 8 is ‘Game Of Shadows’. This set design takes its inspiration from the romanticism of the Gothic Revival/ Neo-Gothic/ Gothic architecture. This set is designed around the concept of a fictional character Sherlock Holmes, the mastermind private detective created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The scene is of his study cum parlour at his residence and a door leading up to his bedroom.

The exhibition is on from April 7 to 10; timings are from 12 noon to 7 pm.