Lineworks is an Ahmedabad based team of design and innovation consultants that works as a bridge between interior designers and artists to offer customised solutions for houses, corporate offices and other spaces.
Dr Mukesh Patel, founder of Lineworks, fondly describes it as an art management company. In the beginning Lineworks was mainly involved with procuring artworks for such sites, gradually Patel entered the world of commissioned art. “We work with young artists, just out of fine arts colleges, and promote their works to interior designers and architects,” says Patel. “I found that interior designers usually procure prints of European masters for clients, who may also get one or two works of known artists for prominent spaces. I instead began to promote the idea of getting works of young artists that were inspired, creative, high-quality and also affordable,” adds Patel.
Patel, who has a background in infotech came to Ahmedabad from UK in the 1990s. “My father-in-law Hasmukh Patel is a prominent architect of Ahmedabad, my wife Canna Patel is a well-known interior designer and architect, her brother is also a reputed architect and urban planner. I offer infotech solutions to them and other designers,’’ says Patel. “Gradually, I realised that there is much potential in providing art solutions to interior designers and architects. Thus, I started Lineworks, an art management company in 1996-7,” adds Patel.
Canna Patel, head of HCP Interior Design Pvt Ltd says, “A piece of art bought from an artist, gallery or art consultant often does not suit the space, and could just become fillers. Lineworks helps us finalise all key aspects of the art work; location, material, concept, and budget, after understanding details like the space available, design ideas, client’s tastes and philosophies, etc. The drawing or model they produce as the prototype becomes the subject of detailed discussion with our company and the client. Finally, they commission the project including the material, fabrication, assembling and finishing.”
Patel agrees to Canna’s opinion, “Our close working relationship with architects/interior designers and direct clients has often resulted in the creation of novel artworks and installation. We have delivered some original and creative works — at times even ground breaking in form and materials — to more than 20 projects, ranging from individual residences to corporate houses. This reflects our highly individual style of working with artists and clients that has evolved over years of close collaboration with both.” Lineworks portfolio includes free standing sculptures, wall mounted compositions, murals and mosaics, hand-woven tapestries and carpets, etchings on glass panels, relief work in concrete, glass and metal light installations, cutout screens and dividers.
“As offices speak of corporate identity, products, services, brands, therefore, we work with HCP to use art integrated as elements during the design process rather than as an afterthoughts to cover an area or just as ornamentation,” Patel says. Citing examples, Patel says, “For the Gujarat regional office of Bajaj Auto, the well-lit reception has artworks of kites that give a regional, Gujarati flavour to it. For Ambuja Cements, the transition from Gujarat Ambuja to a Swiss multinational was addressed by Canna by giving the office a general look, with murals to enhance the appeal.”
While Lineworks has an impressive list of residential and work places which have artworks procured or commissioned by them, Patel feels that there is a lack of public art in most places in India. “Most of the public art I have seen while travelling in India does not really reflect the high quality of arts and crafts skills that exist in our country. I have seen some really horrendous art installations,” he says and adds, “I would like to work on providing aesthetic, thought-provoking, meaningful and culturally appropriate solutions for public spaces in our country.”