Immerse in this creative stimulating experience at this studio in Worli

Arjun Vagale performs a set. Pics/Instagram

If animation, visual design and Artificial Intelligence (AI) stir the creative gene in you, head to the second edition of Absolut Creative Commune that explores the theme of Indian Futurism or IndoFuturism through electronic music and visual design, commissioned work, presentations and listening room sessions.

Visual artist Avinash Kumar of Elsewhere in India and co-curator of the event explains, "The focus is on IndoFuturism where we have commissioned five animated works, a night music programme and a day conference with speakers from the industry." The two-day event will showcase works commissioned under this theme by established industry names and emerging artists including Sachin Bhatt, Ishaan Osheen, Pardafash, and Aditi Ramesh.

A still from Pardafash's work

Multi-disciplinary artist Sandhya Visvanathan AKA Pardafash's untitled presentation at the event depicts IndoFuturism as a world overrun by nature, where the protagonists have a sense of freedom. This animated series, the style of which includes a mix of 2D and 3D elements, offers a brief glimpse of this future. Capturing the zeitgeist of this movement, Kumar tells us, "The futures are interesting [subjects in creative fields] like design, art, writing, films, music and comics. It has gathered momentum in India recently with generative AI art. We wanted to capture this moment to see how creators envision IndoFuturism, and showcase their work in a more immersive manner."

Expect speaker sessions from industry experts like artist and curator Tarini Sethi, visual artist Osheen Siva and Ayaz Basrai of Busride Labs who will cover topics ranging from the landscape of IndoFuturism and their personal work with the theme to another titled The Indian speculative fiction at the edge of creativity. Perhaps, the highlight of the event will be the night showcase with performances by artistes Kibo, Arjun Vagale, and Elsewhere in India.

MSR Murthy and Avinash Kumar

End the night at the Cocktail Futures Lab where mixologist Vasundhara Vats will design and create bespoke cocktails that look at Indian heritage as well as futurism in India. The Projection Mapped Bar will feature AI animations that will bring these cocktails to life.

Murthovic AKA MSR Murthy, who is the festival's co-curator from Elsewhere in India as well as a music producer, signs off, "I look forward to having current contemporary and mixed media artists come together to share a platform, collaborate, co-create and move forward in their practices, and to capture stories around IndoFuturism."

On: November 4 and 5; 11.30 am to 12.30 am at Famous Cine Building, Dr E Moses Road, Worli.
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 800 onwards