In a groundbreaking collaboration, visionary architect and artist Suchi Reddy, alongside the historic Indian brand Asian Paints, have unveiled Chromacosm, a monumental architectural color system boasting an impressive array of over 5,300 unique shades. This innovative presentation was showcased during the Architecture and Design Film Festival in Mumbai, India. By crafting a vast installation reminiscent of meadows filled with vibrant gradients, Reddy has created an immersive experience where viewers traverse a landscape of towering colored cylinders.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Suchi Reddy
Brand: Asian Paints
Location: Mumbai, India
Exhibition: Architecture and Design Film Festival
Project: Chromacosm
The Chromacosm installation is not just a visual spectacle but a remarkable journey into the world of color inspired by ancient Tantric art and the scientific principles of light and absorption. Each hue is carefully conceptualized in three dimensions, interacting dynamically with light and shadow. Standing amidst more than 2,000 shades from the Chromacosm library, visitors engage with a playful yet profound encounter of color combinations. The design cleverly manipulates perspective, revealing and obscuring different hues as one moves through the exhibit, offering a unique, multidimensional experience.
This ambitious exhibit, with its extensive use of black tubes contrasted with white bands, presents a striking optical illusion reminiscent of planes soaring above the ground. Despite the explosion of color and texture, there exists a cohesive harmony achieved through the meticulous arrangement of cylindrical forms. The exhibit not only showcases colors but also hints at the rich cultural tapestry of India, as the tops of the tubes reflect shades inspired by various facets of Indian tradition and heritage.
Suchi Reddy’s involvement in Chromacosm is a testament to her unique ability to bridge culture, technology, and design. As a New York City-based designer and founder of Reddymade, her emphasis on the concept that “form follows feeling” is evident in this project. Her integration of neuroaesthetic principles—which argue that good design fosters well-being—exemplifies how her work prioritizes the emotional and sensory impact of architecture.
The expansive Chromacosm library is a culmination of more than a decade of meticulous research by Asian Paints. It organizes 5,300 shades in terms of hue and depth, enabling a full exploration of color relationships and families. Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian crafts like Ajrakh and Kalamkari, this collection richly blends centuries of artisanal wisdom with contemporary scientific advancements. Such efforts by Asian Paints signify a blend of cultural homage and forward-thinking innovation.
Chromacosm, as articulated by Suchi Reddy, is not merely an exhibition but a celebration of India’s artistic legacy and a foray into new realms of creativity and design innovation. This monumental color collection illustrates how historical traditions can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of modern technological achievements. For those keen to delve deeper into the world of Chromacosm or explore Suchi Reddy’s work further, more information can be accessed through reddymade.design, showcasing a journey that defiantly puts creativity at the forefront of architectural enterprise.
