The Odisha Craft Odyssey is more than a residency; it is a bold statement on the need to rethink and reposition craft within the broader artistic discourse.

Studio BEAD, a pioneering name in the intersection of art, craft, and contemporary practices, continues to challenge conventional narratives. Through the Odisha Craft Odyssey, Studio BEAD aims to integrate and elevate traditional craft practices in contemporary flair, ensuring that they receive the recognition they deserve within the broader artistic discourse. We sat down with Premjish Achari, the visionary curator behind the Odisha Craft Odyssey residency, to explore his approach, strategies, and the transformative potential of this project.

Q: How do you interpret the curatorial vision of this residency, particularly the integration of craft practices into contemporary art?

I prefer to use the term "inclusion" over "integration" when discussing the positioning of craft within the domain of art. This residency aims to question and dismantle the hierarchical distinctions often made between high art and craft. By emphasizing that these fields are not separate but complementary, we seek to elevate craft practices to the same level of critical and creative discourse as modern and contemporary art. The curatorial vision challenges the existing demarcations and misrepresentations by highlighting the significant artistic and cultural value inherent in craft. Our goal is not just to correct the historically marginalized position of the artisan but to complicate the cultural field by asking what truly constitutes art today. Through exhibitions, open studios, and educational activities, we aim to demystify craft practices and interrogate their representation in intellectual history, exhibition practices, and policymaking.

Q: How do you approach collaboration with artisans or traditional craftsmen in your practice?

Collaboration is often misconstrued as a purely harmonious process, but I view it as a space where tensions and differences can be articulated. Effective collaboration is built on reciprocal learning, where both parties share their knowledge to co-create or co-learn. This residency facilitates ongoing dialogue, respecting the artisans' space and methods while fostering a symbiotic relationship. We strive to map out the commonalities and peculiarities of each domain, valuing the context of each participant's expertise. By imagining newer contexts, we aim to create unique outcomes that speak to our times.