Nipa Doshi's multifaceted cabinet fosters mental, physical, and spiritual well-being

In September 2025, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne will unveil a new addition to its collection, a handcrafted, multidimensional cabinet and shrine titled 'A Room of My Own'. This unique piece of work is the creation of Nipa Doshi, the fourth commission-winner of the Mecca x NGV Women in Design Commission.

Doshi, one half of the London-based practice Doshi Levien, has developed 'A Room of My Own' at Atelier Helbecque in France. The multidimensional installation pays homage to significant women from the artist's life, including a 1970s Bollywood star, a maternal neighbour, and a compassionate nurse.

The cabinet takes the form of an elongated octagon and can serve as a dressing table or a writing desk when opened. The vibrant colours of lacquer in the piece are inspired by the vivid world of 1970s Indian cinema, Jodhpur's miniature paintings, and the works of Amrita Sher-Gil and Raghubir Singh.

The five central characters depicted in the cabinet's paintings are named Zeenat, Nina, Maya, Loud Ladies, and an unnamed nurse. Zeenat, named after the iconic Bollywood star Zeenat Aman, embodies sensuality, glamour, and effortless allure. Nina, an architect who visited Doshi in hospital, is celebrated for her warmth and sartorial splendour. Maya honours Doshi's aunt, a chartered accountant who also founded two NGOs supporting women, established schools, and ran a textile workshop.

'Loud Ladies' relates to Doshi's earliest memory of growing up around her mother's friends, and represents a sense of community and female kinship. The unnamed nurse character symbolises the compassionate caregivers who have played crucial roles in Doshi's life.

For the exhibition, Doshi has conceived two four-meter-long textile panels that weave together memories of home and feature intimate symbols from her India. Elements of brass and gold leaf add a subtle sheen to the piece, while the glass interior allows light to flow through, eliminating the need for internal lighting.

A bespoke font was designed for the cabinet over five months, with each letter formed like intricate pieces of jewellery. The gallery has acquired the typeface as part of the permanent collection.

To enhance the visitor's experience, the museum will screen a specially commissioned film, guiding visitors through the cabinet's intricate interiors and details, set to the nostalgic rhythms of iconic Hindi film songs. 'A Room of My Own' is inspired by one of India's oldest storytelling traditions, kaavads, and honours influential women in Doshi's life.

'A Room of My Own' is a testament to Doshi's values in design, both as an individual and as a woman, and her commitment to designing spaces that centre on well-being. The installation is set to become a permanent part of the gallery's collection, offering visitors a glimpse into Doshi's personal and cultural journey.

Nipa Doshi's multifaceted cabinet fosters mental, physical, and spiritual well-being