Aaquib Wani
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Contents |
Source
Shivpriya Bajpai/ Transcending Artistic Media With Aaquib Wani/ March 27, 2023/ Elle
Biographical Details
Profession: Multi-Disciplinary Artist and Designer
Nationality: Indian
Years Active: in the creative industry since 2014
Notable Work: Lollapalooza Mumbai, Bacardi NH7 Weekender, Serendipity Arts Festival, Isha Ambani’s Sangeet, United Nations, Adidas
Aaquib Wani's Biography
Aaquib Wani is a celebrated multi-disciplinary artist and designer, known for his expansive work across various artistic media, including spatial design, visual and graphic design, installations, and interactive experiences. He founded the Aaquib Wani Design Studio in 2018, which has quickly become a significant name in the Indian and international design scenes.
Roots in Kashmir
Aaquib's creative journey is deeply influenced by his Kashmiri heritage. Growing up in a traditional Kashmiri household, he was exposed to local artisans and their intricate craftsmanship from a young age. His father, involved in the Kashmiri art business, often brought artisans home, sparking Aaquib’s early interest in design. This exposure led him to experiment with drawing, creating models from thermocol sheets, and repurposing old toys to create new inventions. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his future in design and art.
Creative Milestones
Wani began his career designing posters and merchandise for music bands while juggling two full-time jobs, one at Rock Street Journal magazine and the other at the mixed-media design studio, Scenografia Sumant. His work with scenographer Sumant Jayakrishnan introduced him to spatial design, where he learned to merge physical and digital design elements seamlessly.
In 2016, Wani represented India at the London Design Biennale as part of Jayakrishnan’s team, marking a significant milestone in his career. Inspired by a friend, he later took the plunge to start his own design studio in 2018. Since then, Aaquib Wani Design Studio has collaborated with prestigious brands like United Nations, Spotify, Adidas, Bacardi, and Chivas.
Noteworthy Collaborations
Wani's relationship with Adidas stands out among his many collaborations. He has designed a jacket for Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and a special edition clothing line for cricketer Rohit Sharma, showcasing his ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. Additionally, his installation work, such as the transformation of a venue into an enchanting garden of 5,000 sholapith roses for designer Anjul Bhandari's collection launch, reflects his mastery in creating immersive environments.
Community-Driven Projects
Aaquib Wani is deeply committed to preserving traditional crafts and working collaboratively with artisans. For Isha Ambani's sangeet, he created a 'craft bazaar' featuring sholapith art, a lesser-known craft form, by bringing together 150 artisans from West Bengal. His passion for community-driven projects also led to the creation of Aaquib Wani Custom Wearables, where he collaborates with local artisans to hand-paint garments, with proceeds directly benefiting the artists.
Projects
Wani continues to work on diverse projects, including an interior design project for a popular café in Pune, stores for emerging fashion brands in Delhi, and various music festivals. His studio also has ongoing collaborations with clients from previous years, such as the Serendipity Arts Festival, and exciting new ventures for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and upcoming weddings.
Noteworthy Achievements
• Represented India at the London Design Biennale 2016. • Designed for high-profile brands like Adidas, United Nations, and Spotify. • Created immersive environments for events such as Isha Ambani’s sangeet and the Lollapalooza festival in Mumbai. • Founder of Aaquib Wani Design Studio and Aaquib Wani Custom Wearables.
