Nomadic Gallery SIKAO Pioneers Sustainable Art Economy with Global Reach
A groundbreaking exhibition in Mumbai demonstrates how innovative business models can transform the art market while preserving cultural heritage. The traveling gallery SIKAO has curated Objects of Desire, featuring 47 artists from India and abroad, challenging traditional boundaries between craft and contemporary art.
Economic Innovation in Art Curation
Co-founders Pinky Daga and her son Kabbier Daga have developed a unique approach to art commerce, pricing works between ₹15,000 and ₹2 lakh to make collectible design accessible to emerging collectors. This strategic positioning addresses market gaps while supporting artist sustainability.
"Indian design is having its moment on a global scale," explains Pinky Daga. "We have a collective of both established and budding artists who have created exceptional pieces exclusively for us."
Sustainable Materials and Traditional Knowledge
The exhibition showcases over 200 objects crafted from clay, wool, stone, textiles, ceramics, metal and wood. Karnataka-based artist Shivaranjan exemplifies this approach, creating sculptural objects from Deccani sheep wool using 52 earth-toned shades inspired by his nomadic shepherd heritage.
Other featured artists include:
- Pragati Mathur from Bengaluru, working with diverse textile materials
- Harshita Jamtani, known for lighting design, presenting sculptural dolls
- Ganesh Burud, exploring cubist aesthetics through ceramic work
- Australian artist Fliss Dodd, using traditional sgraffito carving techniques
Global Market Expansion Strategy
SIKAO's business model extends beyond local markets. Selected pieces will travel to Milan Design Week's Alcova exhibition, followed by expansion to Dubai, Doha, and other international markets. This approach positions Indian artisans within global luxury design circuits.
The gallery's exclusive arrangement ensures all displayed works are unavailable elsewhere, creating scarcity value while supporting artist income streams.
Technology Integration and Innovation
The curation process incorporated AI modeling to help artists visualize concepts within their chosen materials, demonstrating how technology can enhance traditional craft processes without replacing artisan skills.
Mumbai-based studios like Length Breadth Height and Shailesh Rajput Studio contribute architectural elements, while Pyramid Valley's artisans create bespoke rammed earth sculptures, showcasing sustainable building materials in artistic contexts.
The exhibition runs March 7-8 at IF.BE Ballard Estate, Mumbai, representing a new model for cultural entrepreneurship that balances commercial viability with artistic integrity.