2009年10月3日星期六

Telling Tales

This exhibition explores the recent trend among European designers for unique or limited edition pieces that push the boundaries between art and design. It showcases furniture, lighting and ceramics, designed by a new generation of international designers, including Tord Boontje, Maarten Baas, Jurgen Bey and Studio Job, who are all inspired by the spirit of story-telling. Each tells a tale through their use of decorative devices, historical allusions or choice of materials, sharing common themes such as fantasy, parody and a concern with mortality.

The exhibition is in three sections:

The Forest Glade is inspired by fantasy and nature evoking the spirit of fairytales.


'Princess' chair
Tord Boontje

Antique chair, silk, embroidery

The morality of fairy tales relies on oppositions of good and evil, often taking a visual form. This chair and the 'Witch' chair, also by Tord Boontje, show both traits. The 'Witch' chair is scaly, dark and sinister, while this chair is like a child's fantasy of Cinderella at the ball: effervescent, elegant, light and fanciful.




'Fig Leaf' wardrobe
Tord Boontje

Hand-painted enamelled copper leaves, lost-wax-cast patinated bronze tree, iron tracery support structure, hand-dyed and woven silk base and back

Tord Boontje regards the fig as a symbol of fertility, associating it with oases and the biblical notion of Paradise. The snake persuaded Adam and Eve to eat an apple from the tree of knowledge. They then fell from grace and were expelled from Paradise, wearing only fig leaves to hide their newfound shame. Ironically, the wardrobe only becomes 'dressed' when its user is not.

The Enchanted Castle exaggerates and parodies historical design styles often associated with displays of status.

Heaven and Hell is concerned with themes of mortality and the afterlife.

没有评论:

发表评论