The kind of art that’s out there, it’s pretty damn hard-hitting. And then, there are moments and pictures that immediately transform your world. I don’t understand art as much as I’d like to – design too, as much as I want to. But some pictures – I guess – for their sheer no-nonsense really make you want to stare at them for hours. Such was Divya Thakur’s curated collection – Animania – that showed that BMB Gallery in November. I missed the gallery rounds, but kept the pictures from the press release. Because they were so very beautiful to me.

As an indian graphic designer, kitsch is your first resort – maybe more so – when internationally, that’s what they call a money earner. But it’s hard to stick to fun stuff that truly interests you. But Animania was clear about what it wanted to be. And I loved it. The art translated the theme of sacred Indian animals into graphic art through the eyes of an American, two Mumbaikars, two Argentinians, a Japanese graphic designer and a Swedish graphic artist.

 A week or so later, the products hit Good Earth. Animania, a collection of products by Design Temple- those that rekindle our love for animals, create awareness, and promote our effort to give back to the natural world. I think I just fell in love. I’ve always loved Design Temple’s work.

The “Animania” series of products designed by Design Temple will be available at my favourite shopping destination, Goodearth Mumbai and New Delhi from 8th December onwards till the end of January 2011 

“Animania” Products I liked. 

Tiger Rug Rs 25,000

Graphic art visuals inspired by the animals venerated in Indian Mythology as dieties and vahans (vehicles). Rs 2000 / Rs 5000/ Rs 15,000

Playing Cards: An original product by Design Temple, this box contains, 2 decks of playing cards with animal illustrations by Leandro Castelao, Argentina.

Set of 2: Size: 6 X 4.8 inches. Rs 1,150

Bani Thani Jewellery Box, Rs 450. This is not from the Animania collection, but it’s on my to-buy list forever. 

 Along with, the super funky and super awesome tongue-cleaners.