A202 was a unique exhibition featuring wearable art pieces with an even more unique story behind it. Part of a collaboration between late artist Anjum Singh and interdisciplinary designer Aaradhana Jhunjhunwala, A2O2 lost Anjum in November 2020, before she could see the fruition of her last project. At a recent online sale that was hosted between April 13 and 14 on a2o2.in, Aaradhana showcased the 40 pieces of jewellery, the proceeds from which are expected to go to the aid of a national charity that supports children with cancer.
“A2O2 is a labour of love and a deeply personal project to celebrate, commemorate and mourn a friendship. Anjum and I have been friends since college and although our tastes and practices have evolved over this period, we have always respected each other’s aesthetic sensibilities. It was only when Anjum was in New York being treated for cancer that we decided to work together to channel the pain and transcribe it into optimism,” said the Calcutta-based artist.
A2O2
Conceived as a translation of Anjum’s works on paper and canvas into a design language of sculptural pieces, A2O2’s 40 designs were such “that have evolved from their two-dimensional origins into three-dimensional space and from canvas and paper to tactile objets d’art”. “Anjum’s last show titled I am Still Here at Talwar Gallery in Delhi in 2019 was a very powerful and deeply moving show, especially for her friends and family. For friends who were family. This show was enormously personal and those of us who knew her recognised her story in it — beautifully rendered anecdotes of struggle, of triumph, and of profound strength and grace. This collection is inspired by work from I am Still Here,” said Aaradhana.
The 40 pieces from A2O2’s first collection include bracelets and brooches in pure silver with gold and rhodium plating, set with semi-precious stones and start at a price of Rs 50,000. Aesthetically, the collection was inspired by the idea of helping others and drawing joy out of the artistic process of design conversion, even if that included translating works from Anjum’s last showcase that clearly captured some of her pain as well. The name A2O2 also postulates the same — A2 for Anjum and Aaradhana and O2 represents oxygen, which is the representation of the tightrope between life and oblivion.
A2O2
Speaking about the challenges of converting art from paper onto three-dimensional wearable pieces, Aaradhana said, “No matter how unwell (Anjum was), we discussed minor and major ideas, possibilities and changes. Our focus was not on trying to achieve a literal likeness but on capturing the essence of the work.”
A2O2 was a part of the artist-designer duo’s long-term plan of helping more people in need and Aaradhana plans to continue with that objective. “Anjum and I planned to create a sustainable platform that would work to raise funds annually for causes that were important to us. With Anjum gone, we’re now looking at how we can collaboratively take this forward to keep her dream alive. She will always be the guiding light, wherever she is.”
