Shakti Design Residency will participate in Homo Faber 2026 for the first time, presenting Prorůstání / Growing Into, a sculptural table created through a collaboration between Czech artist Tadeáš Podracký, master artisan Ajay Gour and the Heirloom Naga Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland. The work will be exhibited as part of Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light at Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice from 1 to 30 September 2026. The presentation marks an important moment for Indian craft traditions on an international platform.
A Collaboration Rooted in Nagaland
Developed during Podracký’s residency in Dimapur in 2025, Prorůstání / Growing Into combines hand-carved timber and woven cane. The work emerged through direct collaboration between the designer and artisans at the Heirloom Naga Centre, where local material knowledge played a central role in shaping the final object. Rather than treating craftsmanship as a production process, the residency model positions artisans as creative collaborators whose expertise informs the direction of the work.
The sculptural table reflects the architecture and social significance of the Naga morung, a traditional communal house that serves as a space for learning and cultural transmission. According to the residency documentation, the carved timber surface references Konyak woodcarving traditions, while the woven cane base draws from techniques passed down through generations of Naga makers.
From Milan Design Week to Venice
Before arriving in Venice, the work debuted at Alcova during Milan Design Week 2026. Its inclusion in Homo Faber places it within one of the most prominent international events dedicated to contemporary craftsmanship. Organised by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, Homo Faber brings together artisans, designers and makers from around the world at Venice’s Fondazione Giorgio Cini.
This year’s edition, titled An Island of Light, will run throughout September 2026 and feature hundreds of artisans and creative practitioners. Tickets begin at €16, with concessions available through the official Homo Faber platform.
About the Artist
Tadeáš Podracký is a Czech artist whose practice spans sculpture and design. Known for transforming familiar materials into experimental forms, his work often challenges conventional notions of function and utility. His projects have been exhibited internationally at Design Miami, PAD London, PAD Paris, FOG Design+Art, TEFAF and Milan Design Week, among other venues. He also leads the Department of Concept–Object–Meaning at the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague.
The Role of Ajay Gour and Heirloom Naga Centre
Ajay Gour, a lead artisan at the Heirloom Naga Centre, has worked with cane and bamboo since 1999. His expertise in weaving and bending locally sourced cane was instrumental in translating Podracký’s ideas into a finished object. The Dimapur-based centre supports traditional craft practices while exploring contemporary applications of indigenous knowledge.
Founded by Jesmina Zeliang, Heirloom Naga is recognised for promoting Naga textile and craft traditions while creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans across the region. The organisation has become an important platform for preserving cultural heritage while engaging with contemporary design practices.
Shakti Design Residency’s Collaborative Model
Established by interior designer and philanthropist Shalini Misra, Shakti Design Residency was launched to foster new relationships between Indian craftsmanship and international design. The programme pairs global designers with Indian ateliers, encouraging research-driven collaborations that place equal emphasis on the contributions of designers and makers.
Highlights of the Project
- First participation of Shakti Design Residency at Homo Faber.
- Collaboration between Tadeáš Podracký, Ajay Gour and Heirloom Naga Centre.
- Inspired by Naga morung architecture and traditional craft techniques.
- Developed during a residency in Dimapur, Nagaland in 2025.
- Previously exhibited at Alcova during Milan Design Week 2026.
- Presented within Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light.
Growing International Recognition for Indian Craft
The presentation also coincides with a partnership between JSW Foundation and the Michelangelo Foundation aimed at increasing international visibility for Indian artisans and creative traditions. As discussions around authorship, collaboration and material knowledge continue to evolve within the design sector, projects such as Prorůstání / Growing Into demonstrate how traditional craftsmanship can contribute to contemporary design discourse without losing its cultural context.
Final Thoughts
The presentation of Prorůstání / Growing Into at Homo Faber 2026 highlights an evolving approach to contemporary design that values collaboration between designers and artisans. By bringing together Czech artistic practice and Naga craft traditions, the project reflects broader conversations about cultural exchange, authorship and material knowledge. For visitors, the work offers insight into how traditional skills can remain relevant within contemporary design, while contributing to greater international recognition of India’s diverse craft heritage.
