This week on our radar: The Art Show at SIMONE, curated by Simone Arora and Bina Aziz

Mumbai is buzzing with art and design like never before! Forget about wondering what to do this weekend—it’s more about what you can’t afford to miss. This weekend, South is the place to be! Simone Arora, the mastermind behind SIMONE and Creative Director at D’Decor Home Fabrics, teams up with renowned artist Bina Aziz for  The Art Show at SIMONE. With works by nine stellar artists—M.F. Husain, Ajay De, Deepali Sarde, Gurcharan Singh, Nandita Chaudhuri, Pradeep Chandra, Puja Kshatriya, Ravi Mandlik, and Bina Aziz—spanning the décor store. Make sure this important pit stop is not missed from your art-hopping itinerary!

But before you tie your laces, here’s a quick five with Simone about her journey and the show.

Take us through the journey of SIMONE

Simone Arora (SA): My journey is best described as one with undeterred passion for excellence, vision and sheer perseverance. As the co-founder and creative director of India’s leading home furnishings company, I’ve had the privilege of being deeply involved in the industry for nearly two decades. Over time, a desire to establish my own identity emerged, and with that, a vision to create something truly unique—India’s first luxury home decor store, inspired by the beauty of nature.

Ten years ago, this journey began, and it has been one of dedication, creativity and perseverance. My own home, which I had the pleasure of designing and filling with carefully sourced products from around the globe, garnered much appreciation. This encouragement fueled my ambition to bring that same aesthetic and sense of wonder to others through my store.

The road was far from easy, particularly the challenge of restoring the heritage building, Amerchand Mansion in Colaba  where the store now resides. This journey has been more than just about business—it’s about crafting a legacy, celebrating the art of home decor, and honouring the heritage that frames our work. It has been incredibly fulfilling, and I along with my loyal and dedicated team members look forward to continuing this journey with the same passion and commitment.

How do you perceive the coming together of art and homeware?

SA: The intersection of art and homeware is a trend that’s transforming our living spaces. It’s a beautiful marriage of functionality and aesthetics, where everyday objects become unique expressions of personal style. Art elevates homeware, turning ordinary objects into conversation pieces. A beautifully crafted vase or a unique artefact can instantly transform a room’s ambiance. By incorporating art into home décor, individuals can create spaces that truly reflect their individual personalities and interests. Artful homeware can be seen as an investment in both beauty and value. As art appreciates over time, these pieces can become cherished heirlooms. Surrounding oneself with aesthetically pleasing objects can positively impact mood and overall well-being. The convergence of art and homeware is a trend that’s here to stay, offering a rich tapestry of possibilities for creating stylish and meaningful living spaces.

Can you tell us a bit about the collaboration with Bina Aziz? How did you two connect, and when did the idea for this art show come to life?

SA: The collaboration with Bina Aziz came about through our shared passion for promoting Indian art and artists. Bina is a family friend and we quickly realised that our visions aligned perfectly. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the art world made her the ideal partner for this project. The idea for The Art Show at SIMONE began to take shape over a few conversations. Bina’s expertise in curating and her long relationships with an extensive network of artists helped us bring together a diverse and compelling collection. Her contribution was instrumental in shaping the event into a vibrant celebration of Indian art.

What’s the overarching theme that links all the artists in this show? How did you go about curating it?

SA: The overarching theme of The Art Show at SIMONE is the celebration of diversity within Indian art. We wanted to showcase a wide range of artistic expressions, from traditional to contemporary, and from well-known established masters to emerging talents. The theme emphasises the rich tapestry of perspectives and styles that define Indian art.

Curating the show involved a thoughtful process of selecting works that not only reflect individual artistic visions but also contribute to a cohesive narrative. Bina Aziz and I worked closely to ensure that each artist’s contribution was meaningful and complemented the overall theme. We considered the stories behind the artworks, the techniques used, and the cultural contexts they represent. The goal was to create an exhibition that highlights the richness of Indian art while allowing each piece to stand out in its own right.

Was there a particular thought process that went behind locating (positioning) the paintings in the store?

SA: Yes, we carefully planned the positioning of the paintings to enhance the visitor experience. We grouped artworks with similar themes together to create mini-narratives and placed larger pieces in prominent spots for visual impact. Smaller works were arranged in more intimate settings for closer inspection. Lighting and spatial arrangement were also considered to ensure optimal visibility and a balanced, cohesive display.

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