Dtale Archist Bangalore: A Creative Confluence of Disciplines

In the vibrant neighborhood of Bengaluru’s Whitefield, Dtale has introduced a bold concept that dissolves the conventional boundaries between art, architecture, and design. More than a furniture showroom or an art gallery, Dtale’s sprawling Whitefield space presents an integrated platform where creative disciplines collide and collaborate, an identity they’ve defined with their own term: “Archist.” By Arya Nair

While Dtale Decor is a design store that has been successfully running for over two decades, The Dtale Archist concept is the result of a unique partnership between Sreejith Pathangalil, founder of Dtale,  a versatile artist and interior designer, and Bose Krishnamachari, the acclaimed artist, curator, founding member and first president of the Kochi Biennale Foundation. Their journey began during a pivotal project for the Kochi Biennale, where Sreejith’s extraordinary craftsmanship and ability to deliver bespoke furniture within just three days left a lasting impression on Krishnamachari. “It was the beginning of our relationship,” Krishnamachari reflected.

The bond deepened when Krishnamachari visited Dtale’s Bangalore space.

“They had designed the entire building themselves, and even as the interiors were still taking shape, I realized this was a space where true creative freedom was possible,” he shared. That visit planted the seed for Dtale Archist, a gallery concept that now stands as a celebration of making with meaning and a freedom to express.

Furniture and Fine Art: A Dialogue in Form

To better understand the vision behind this space, we spoke with Rej Melathil from Dtale. He explained that Dtale is built on the synergy between custom furniture design and fine art. “All the furniture that is displayed here is made in our own factory,” he said. “The fine art pieces, meanwhile, come from artists across India and even abroad. We also curate unique artifacts that we don’t manufacture.”

Dtale is committed to showcasing that unique texture, depth, and energy of actual art, proving that true artistry cannot be replicated by algorithms or screens alone. “It’s a platform where people can explore actual artworks… You see the furniture, the interior decor, with the art. We have that curation on the first floor, in the gallery, but we have a lot of other artworks displayed throughout the entire store.” This pervasive integration ensures that art is not confined, but flows through the entire space, complementing interior settings.

Dtale’s furniture is meticulously crafted in-house by its design team and artisans, while the art collection is curated by Krishnamachari himself, bringing together a rich tapestry of creative voices.

A Platform for New Voices and Immersive Experiences

Dtale Archist is also committed to supporting emerging artists. “We are even considering exhibitions exclusively for new artists,” Rej confirmed, signalling a strong dedication to nurturing fresh talent.

But beyond exhibitions, the space is about crafting immersive sensory journeys. A visitor encounters a forest-themed installation accompanied by subtle bird sounds titles Frequencies of the Forest, by Radhika Agarwal or stumble upon a profound 8–10-hour meditation piece. These experiences invite viewers to engage deeply, not just with the visuals but with the emotional and atmospheric layers of the art. Dtale Archist aims to immerse, not just display.

The gallery follows a consistent exhibition cycle, introducing new collections every 45 to 60 days. Dtale Archist has successfully completed four editions and is currently exhibiting the fifth edition featuring artists Abela Ruben, Abin Chaudhari, Arti Kadam, Latheesh Lakshman, Radhika Agarwala, Shajith RB, Shalina Vichitra, Thukral and Tagra and Vyom.

Each exhibition typically begins with an exclusive week for collectors and artists before opening to the public, ensuring both intimacy and accessibility. This rhythm keeps the space constantly evolving, encouraging visitors to return for new discoveries.

Redefining Bangalore’s Design Landscape

In a city rich with art galleries, Dtale distinguishes itself. “Ours is not just a gallery; it’s an “Archist gallery” for both architects and artists,” Rej emphasised. “It’s a space where different mediums collaborate and connect.” He noted that Dtale serves as a bridge, bringing art into a design environment.

In today’s Pinterest-driven design culture, Dtale champions authentic, tangible art over the flat, sometimes deceptive imagery often found online. “People sometimes think the work is printed; they don’t believe it’s real art until they see it up close,” Rej shared, underscoring the irreplaceable texture, depth, and energy of experiencing original pieces firsthand.

Art at Dtale is not confined to the gallery, it flows seamlessly throughout the showroom, merging with furniture and interior elements. This layered curation encourages visitors to see how art integrates into everyday spaces.

A Living Aesthetic and the “Make in India” Ethos

Dtale’s aesthetic is fluid and ever-changing. “It keeps evolving with the mood and the exhibition,” Rej noted. While the broader style leans toward tropical modernism, each display is reimagined to suit its moment.

Integral to Dtale’s philosophy is the “Make in India” initiative. “We have at least 400 artisans who work in our factory. Almost 90% of the furniture, accessories, and even artworks are made in India only,” he stated proudly. This commitment extends to using Indian fabrics and actively supports traditional craftsmanship. “Bringing back traditional artworks, bringing back traditional artisans – it’s all a part of the work we do.”

Timeless Design and Future Collaborations

Among Dtale’s rotating displays, some pieces hold timeless appeal.’The ‘Adorn Chair’ on the first floor is a standout. “It’s a very classy chair; something that can be passed down through generations,” Rej said, emphasising its lasting relevance.

Looking ahead, Dtale envisions its Whitefield space as a burgeoning collaborative hub. “This is a platform where all designers and architects can come, sit with us, or by themselves, see the furniture, and develop it. They can even have a new product design from there,” he revealed, hinting at future product catalogs and an open invitation for co-creation.

Art as Life: Bose Krishnamachari’s Vision

For Bose Krishnamachari, the notion hat “everything can transform into art” is not just a poetic idea, but the fundamental principle that shapes his entire approach to creation and curation.

He finds artistic potential in the everyday: a tiffin carrier, a street object, or a fleeting observation. His philosophy asserts that art is democratic, that it belongs to all, and that it can emerge from life’s ordinary moments.

For Krishnamachari, art is inextricably linked to life itself; his observations, experiences, and beliefs all feed into his artistic expression. It’s a democratic view, asserting that everyone can be an artist and that art should be accessible to all, not just an elite few. By shifting our perception and challenging conventional norms, he demonstrates that the power of artistic intention can elevate anything into the realm of art, constantly pushing boundaries and enriching our understanding of what art can be.

Photography: Zaheer and Dtale Archist