A new exhibition titled The First Layer: HōmAnAn x Understorey will take place from 9th to 10th May 2026 in New Delhi, with a preview on 8th May. Organised by HōmAnAn and Understorey, the two-day showcase focuses on how interior spaces begin through textures, surfaces, and material choices rather than finished structures.
Concept Behind the Exhibition
The exhibition explores the idea that a home starts with foundational layers such as textiles and surfaces. Rather than presenting interiors as complete compositions, The First Layer examines how materials shape the experience of space over time. The showcase is set within a living showhouse instead of a traditional gallery format, offering visitors an immersive environment.
Curatorial Vision
Curated by Rahul Kapoor, co-founder of Understorey, and Anubha Aneja, founder of HōmAnAn, the exhibition brings together design perspectives rooted in craftsmanship and spatial storytelling. Kapoor’s work with textiles and Aneja’s approach to interiors combine to create a layered viewing experience that unfolds across different rooms.
Focus on Craft and Materials
At the centre of the exhibition are one-of-a-kind rugs created using repurposed dyed yarn sourced from active looms. These materials retain traces of previous processes, resulting in variations in colour and texture. Each piece is shaped through an open-ended method, making every rug distinct.
Alongside these works, Understorey will present its signature handcrafted rugs produced by master weavers in Jaipur. The atelier traces its legacy back to 1916 and continues to emphasise traditional techniques combined with contemporary design approaches.
Highlights of the Exhibition
- One-of-a-kind rugs made from repurposed dyed yarn
- Handcrafted rugs by master weavers in Jaipur
- Use of sustainable materials and evolving textures
- Integration of rugs within a living interior space
Exhibition Design and Experience
The exhibition unfolds gradually within HōmAnAn’s showhouse in GK, New Delhi. Visitors move through different spaces where rugs appear in varied contexts, allowing for changing perspectives based on movement and proximity. This approach highlights how objects interact within a lived environment rather than as isolated pieces.
Sustainability and Design Approach
Working with existing yarn allows for a more resource-conscious method of production. The rugs reinterpret traditional motifs through repetition and variation, balancing aesthetic clarity with adaptability. This approach positions the pieces as both functional elements and artistic expressions within interiors.
About the Organisers
HōmAnAn is known for its immersive interior concepts that emphasise spatial relationships and lived experiences.
Understorey operates as a bespoke rug atelier, focusing on handcrafted textiles and material-led design rooted in traditional weaving practices.
For more details, visit the official exhibition page: The First Layer Exhibition
Visitor Information
| Event | Details |
| Title | The First Layer: HōmAnAn x Understorey |
| Artist | Group Exhibition (Understorey weavers) |
| Venue | HōmAnAn |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | Preview on 8th May 2026 |
| Exhibition Dates | 9th – 10th May 2026 |
| Organiser | HōmAnAn and Understorey |
Conclusion
The First Layer presents an exploration of how interiors evolve through material choices and craftsmanship. By focusing on the relationship between textiles and space, the exhibition offers insight into sustainable practices and the role of design in shaping everyday environments. It reflects a broader dialogue on how homes are formed through layers of material, history, and human interaction.
