The cover for this issue of Artkrush is a detail of Condoms Are Sexy-1, a 2006 mixed-media painting by design powerhouse Thukral & Tagra. This human still life premiered in Put it On, the artists' recent show of HIV/AIDS-aware works on view at Bose Pacia Gallery in New York through June 23. The duo is also showing in the Art Statements section of Art Basel through June 17 with Bose Pacia Gallery and Nature Morte from New Delhi.

Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra were both born in New Delhi, India, where they currently live and work. Thukral received his BFA from Chandigarh College of Arts and his MFA from the Delhi College of Art. Tagra attended Delhi College of Art for his BFA and continued his studies at the National Institute of Design.

For the last seven years, the two have been creating fashion, graphics, paintings, and installations for artistic and commercial environs. They received a One Show award for their design work in 2005 and have collaborated with United Colors of Benetton and Indian airline Indigo. The artists' innovative approach is writ large in their practice; Condoms Are Sexy-1 incorporates fabric appliqués and has been displayed on Thukral & Tagra-designed wallpaper.

This piece's sexual education message is an example of the pair's more serious social concerns. Everyday Bosedk, an exhibition from earlier this year, mimicked a store display of branded products and advertisements, with items bearing slogans such as "To Fight Boredom Consume Daily." Their installation at Art Basel is included in the Art Statements section, alongside 25 other emerging artists with "difficult" approaches. Thukral & Tagra may be difficult, but they always dispel boredom. (LM)