Raffles Milano and Raffles Mumbai are proud to announce their creative collaboration in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) in Mumbai. This unique partnership highlights the exceptional talent and innovation of students and faculty from both institutions, whose imaginative contributions take center stage at one of India’s most prestigious cultural events.
As part of this milestone celebration, Raffles presents a mesmerizing art installation titled the “Whispering Stallion.” This masterpiece encapsulates the essence of collaboration, innovation, and artistic excellence, embodying the shared vision of Raffles Milano and Raffles Mumbai. Designed under the guidance of Raffles Milano and skillfully brought to life by Raffles Mumbai, the installation is a true reflection of the creative synergy between these two esteemed institutions.
“Whispering Stallion” pays tribute to the vibrant legacy of KGAF while celebrating the transformative power of art. Through this interactive installation, Raffles aims to enrich the festival’s dynamic cultural narrative while showcasing the ingenuity and dedication that define Raffles institutions worldwide.
“Whispering Stallion” is an interactive artwork crafted from PVC pipes with an 8-inch diameter, extending 23 feet from head to tail. The overall dimensions of 11 feet (length) by 6 feet (height) create a minimalist yet striking silhouette of a horse. Constructed using the elbow mitre technique with precision 15° cuts, the installation features a tubular structure finished with a matte black base.
Vivid tricolor orange, yellow, and white stripes run along the stallion’s body, representing the identities of Raffles Milano and Raffles Mumbai. The black base symbolizes Kala Ghoda, the “Black Horse,” tying the piece to the festival’s iconic heritage.
The installation also incorporates a captivating interactive element. Visitors can speak into the frustum (cone) at either end of the horse’s tubular body, transmitting their words through the hollow structure to be heard by someone on the opposite side. This feature represents communication, storytelling, and the unseen connections that bind Mumbai, its vibrant communities, and the creative worlds of Raffles Milano and Mumbai.
The spokesperson said that the ‘Whispering Stallion’ represents the perfect blend of creativity and innovation, showcasing the artistic synergy between Raffles Milano and Raffles Mumbai. This installation celebrates the transformative power of art and the vibrant legacy of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, inspiring connection and storytelling within the community.”
The vision for the “Whispering Stallion” was brought to life by the collaborative efforts of the teams at Raffles Milan (India office) and Raffles Mumbai, with Janak Chudasama, an alumnus and faculty member of Raffles Mumbai, leading the execution. A Product and Industrial Designer with over a decade of professional expertise, Janak who lead this innovative project inspires and empowers the next generation of designers at Raffles Mumbai, leading by example.
Raffles Milano and Raffles Mumbai invite art enthusiasts and festival goers to experience “Whispering Stallion” at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025 and witness the celebration of creativity, connection, and artistic excellence.
