Believe it or not, but India has its very own Guardians of the Galaxy. Not something too fancy or futuristic, but rather trendy, with strong figures in Channapatna that are sure to keep all the negatives away. And how can a guardian come alone? There is its whole tribe, MuseMART‘s multiverse: Mystic, Explorer and Gatekeeper. We are off behind the scenes with Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani, the creators of this multiverse (and founders of MuseLAB), for an exclusive conversation.
How did MuseMART come into being?
In 2015, we founded MuseMART built upon their shared passion for design. Each product embodies integrity and is designed with the same care, skill and attention to detail. For us, MuseMART is a vehicle to explore and research materials and design independent of their projects. MuseMART allows us to embrace the uncomfortable, learn from our failures and nurture our creativity.
What sparked your interest in the toys segment?
As a design studio we like to explore new horizons and categories. The idea of creating toys was dictated by the choice of craft, which was Channapatna.
Can you share the thought behind various toys in your collection?
We began with our first collection of toys, MuseTRIBE. These toys were designed to be genderless and shapeshifting.
For our second collection, we wanted to keep the essence of MuseTRIBE but expand their ‘realm.’ We started working on characters that are absolutely essential for the survival of a fictitious universe.
Our toys, small and elaborate, are intended more as collectibles or for imaginative play by adults as well as for children. We have four unique characters: Explorer, Mystic, Ruler and Gatekeeper, each with its own quirks and responsibilities.
- Mystic: The Wise, Keeper of Secrets. Mystic balances wisdom with a mischievous spirit. They value introspection amidst chaos and cherish deep connections with their companions.
- Ruler: The Tender Guardian, Lover of Life. Ruler finds solace in nature by nurturing plants and animals. They radiate kindness and compassion, fostering a sense of belonging and care for all.
- Explorer: Wanderer of Untrodden Paths, Seeker of Wonders. With adventure in their veins, Explorer unveils magic in undiscovered realms, leaving their wake in awe and with tales to tell.
- Gatekeeper: The Keeper of Keys. Gatekeeper enjoys simple pleasures like dancing and snacking on pineapples. They embody the balance between duty and living in the moment.
What led you to explore Channapatna?
Channapatna is a craft that dominated the toy industry years ago. It is known for creating safe toys for kids using natural lacquer devoid of toxic chemicals and soft-impact wood. This unique, non-harmful approach sparked our interest and made us want to innovate within their comfort zone while conforming to contemporary limits.
Could you walk us through the journey from designing to finally crafting these toys?
Our design journey began with brainstorming the characters’ personas, whimsies and characteristics. Simultaneously, we worked on the forms and shapes to match these descriptions and align with the existing design language of MuseTRIBE. After finalising the designs, we collaborated with Channapatna artisans for prototyping. Through 2-3 rounds of tweaking and reworking, the toys took a defined form. We chose to keep the wood exposed in a natural finish to differentiate the new toys from the old, ensuring they blend into different spaces. This design choice was also influenced by the characters being housed in colorful, vibrant cloches.
Any future projects at MuseMART?
At MuseMART, we have several collaborations in the pipeline and are gearing up for new product launches. We are excited to bring more innovative and unique creations to our audience, expanding our portfolio and continuing to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship.