Winner
Photography Amateur (Father and Daughter)
Sonali Aggarwal, Space & Vision, Chandigarh
Visions are about imagination. Imagination that belongs to the future. Through ‘Space & Vision, Chandigarh’, Sonali’s 23 year old firm, she has woven her way through a wide gamut of projects. She is arriving at a belief that irrespective of the nature of a project an architect’s creation becomes worthwhile only if it is ‘Responsive’ to its inhabitants, environment and context. Her foray into architectural writing and photography for newspapers and magazines, has brought her immense satisfaction and appreciation.
What is good art according to you?
‘Good art’, as per me, is art that can communicate to the audience the thought behind a creation, convey to its appreciator the story a creator is trying to narrate and thereby establish a ‘connect’. ‘Good art’ is one that appeals to one’s senses, evokes responses, reactions, emotions. Having said that, no art is really bad, as art is essentially a tool in the artists hands for ‘expression’.
What role can art play in making a positive social impact for causes related to women? Would you contribute to WADE ASIA’s causes through art?
Art is a delicate sounding, yet a strong medium of expression. It seeps into people’s sense and sensibilities, gradually leaving an impact. This subtle yet powerful medium can be instrumental in bringing about a whole lot of change. It can be used to trigger thinking about social issues, thereby propelling some action in the right direction. Architecture is believed to be the mother of all arts. And architects have the gift of God to ‘create’ experiences for people. However, I feel, there remains a gap between the architects and the users, which requires to be bridged. There is a need for an interface, an interpreter, who can communicate one’s language to another. I believe I can contribute herein, through my skills of architectural writing & photography.
What is your best takeaway from WADE?
WADE ASIA was the first time that I ventured for any such competition and also attended an event of this scale. The award and the appreciation at a time when I am taking baby steps in the field of photography, has left me hugely encouraged to pursue my interest further. The positive energy pervading through the event has motivated me to come out of my shell and interact more, henceforth. That perhaps is my biggest takeaway from WADE.
“The award and the appreciation at a time when I am taking baby steps in the field of photography, has left me hugely encouraged to pursue my interest further. I was impressed to see the depth of thinking that has gone into WADE ASIA.”
Your opinion on WADE ASIA and its objectives.
WADE ASIA is a harbinger of positivity, of sharing, mutual growth, support and encouragement amongst women designers. WADE provides just the right scale and environment where all inhibitions are shed and maximum participation is ensured, from the most introvert to the most young emerging talent. The event was very well conceived and managed. The very interactive, parallel sessions and workshops going on, had us all running greedily between pavilions! I was impressed to see the depth of thinking that has gone into the event- the all woman taxi service used to cart participants around, was a sweet surprise. I applaud the initiative and wish it grows with leaps and bounds every year.
How is coming together of women helping the community?
Artists mostly tend to work in isolation or within their own community. Collaboration between various streams of art can enrich each one’s creations hugely. WADE ASIA aims to bring all women artists under one umbrella and provide an opportunity to share, gain and grow mutually.
Note: This article was originally published on Surfaces Reporter December 2019 Issue.
