Papier Mache

Year: 2024
Project Type: Professional, Made in Earth Collective
Team: Shruthi Ramakrishna (Partner), Jeremie Gaudin (Partner), Agnimitra Bachi (Partner), Kune Yatheesh, Rosna Saji, Nikhita Ramdas
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Exhibition: Milan Design Week


The papier mache bust, developed in collaboration with The Vernacular Modern in Bangalore, draws inspiration from traditional Akhara (wrestling grounds) and techniques of kothi making - traditional craft of creating small, often intricate, structures or objects using locally sourced natural materials.
The surface of the final piece is crafted from a combination of Karnataka red soil, multani clay, recycled paper and recycled khadi sarees. The varying colours of the pieces are achieved naturally by toying with the proportions of clay in the applied mixture.

The raw materials were ground together to create a thick paste, which was then passed through a fine sieve. Multiple layers of the sieved paste were applied over a plaster of paris body cast and reinforced with gauze and cloth. The final piece was demoulded and treated with linseed oil for waterproofing and to deepen the final texture of the bust. Adjustable coconut leather straps ensured that the piece could be universally adorned.