Panorama Editions Brings Global Contemporary Art to Historic Indian Landmarks

A Potpourri of Vestiges Feature

Panorama Editions, an international art salon founded in 2017 by artist, filmmaker, and member of the Patiala Royal Family, Sarah Singh, recently unveiled its latest edition at Purana Qila, New Delhi. Panorama Editions seeks to revive the age-old tradition of art salons by creating site-specific, immersive experiences in historically significant locations.

Sarah Singh, a multi-disciplinary artist and filmmaker, traces her roots back to Punjab's royal lineage. Her great-grandfather served as regent to the Patiala state until Maharaja Bhupinder Singh ascended the throne. Educated at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Singh began her artistic journey with a solo exhibition at Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. Her foray into filmmaking resulted in the award-winning documentary The Sky Below (2007) and the surreal art film A Million Rivers (2017). Both showcased her deep artistic sensibilities, setting the stage for the creation of Panorama Editions.

The first edition of Panorama Editions debuted at Qila Mubarak in Patiala under the theme "Hybrid Aesthetics," marking the beginning of Singh’s mission to weave global narratives into India’s local cultural fabric. Since then, the initiative has traversed iconic landmarks such as Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, with the theme "Fashion as Performance," and Jaisalmer’s golden sands, which explored "No Time for Love, Only Beauty."

The latest edition, hosted at Gwalior Fort, delved into the compelling theme of "Desire and Sustainability." This grand spectacle featured a diverse ensemble of 48 artists from 15 countries, supported by local performers.

The highlight of the Gwalior edition was a theatrical performance titled A Street Cart Named Desire, inspired by Tennessee Williams’ iconic play. Singh’s vision manifested as a kaleidoscopic narrative exploring the myriad facets of desire, framed against the majestic 16th-century fort.

The production was a confluence of global artistry and local engagement. Portuguese artist Vasco Araújo portrayed the enigmatic "Man About Town," while Genrüder Teichmann from Germany created a captivating soundscape. Sissi, an Italian costume designer, collaborated with Pearl Academy students to craft stunning abstract costumes.

Poland played a significant role with Dorota Kuźniarska, a celebrated artist from Poland, created sustainable costumes that reflected the event’s theme of “Desire and Sustainability.” Her designs seamlessly fused traditional aesthetics with eco-conscious practices, garnering widespread acclaim for their innovation and artistry. This contribution was made possible with the support of the Polish Institute, underscoring the growing cultural collaborations between Poland and India.

Grecian opera singers Maria Kostraki and Theodora Baka lent their voices to iconic compositions, complemented by flamenco performances by Eva Varela and Manolin Garcia from Spain. Local artists from Raja Mansingh Tomar University and Madhav Arts College added a regional flavor with traditional Hindustani classical music and folk performances.

Following the performance, Panorama Editions transitioned into a museum exhibition at Gwalior’s Jai Vilas Palace. The display featured costumes, props, and multimedia installations, including a video by Danish art collective Superflex and a handwoven textile from Guatemala.

The immersive exhibition recently opened at Delhi’s Purana Qila, with additional contributions from the Embassies of Mexico, Costa Rica, and Slovenia. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) provided invaluable support, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore ancient excavation sites within the fort.

This ambitious project owes its success to a host of collaborators, including UNESCO, the Madhya Pradesh Government, Delhi Tourism, Embassy of Portugal, and institutions like the Italian Cultural Institute, and Goethe-Institut.

With Panorama Editions, Sarah Singh has redefined the art salon for the modern era, blending history, culture, and sustainability into an unforgettable artistic journey. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire a global audience, proving that art knows no boundaries.

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