ISSUE 04 - Permanent Hypothesis
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TODAY’S SERVING:
→ Spotlighting the monoblock chair.
→ An opinion piece on terminology and value of collectible design.
→ An artist whose work is being defined as “naive pop”.
→ A Dutch designer advocating for sustainable design.
→ A Canadian woodworker encapsulating the essence of craftsmanship.
SPOTLIGHT:
The Monoblock Chair “BOSTON” by Pierre Paulin and Henry Massonnet,1986, Polypropylen
OPINION
On the terminology and aftermarket value of collectible design pieces.
The term "collectible design" has become very popular in recent years. It emerged about two decades ago and has led to a growing contemporary design market, with many galleries offering pieces as collectibles. This has also created a new class of collectors. Despite its success, some people find the term "collectible design" problematic and overused, similar to how "luxury" has lost meaning through overuse. The challenge is that no one has developed a better phrase to describe this concept. This has also led to confusion about categorising collectible designs in publications. The word "craft" has been suggested as a more suitable term that reflects the handmade nature of many of these works. Still, in many cases, it just reflects a part of the making process of these works, leaving some aspects undefined or misrepresented. I love that this is a space we find hard to define. It is an exciting melting pot where artistic expression is held in higher regard and classification becomes secondary.
Historically, the word "collectible" implied rarity or a unique origin. When it came to vintage or antique pieces, scarcity was often inherent, even if they were initially mass-produced. However, when it comes to contemporary furniture and accessories created by living designers, the word "collectible" carries different connotations. It suggests that these pieces are investments that will appreciate over time. However, this may not happen for many years, if it all. There are exceptions, of course, like Australian designer Marc Newson, whose Lockheed Lounge set auction records with prices exceeding millions.
In the meantime, the collectible design market continues to thrive, offering opportunities to emerging designers. However, it's essential to approach it with emotion and not solely to seek investments. As Lee F. Mindel reminds us, "The most important thing is that it has value to you in the present."
Katie Stout
Category:
Art / Sculpture
Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Info:
Katie Stout, born on January 18, 1989, is an accomplished American artist and designer currently residing in New York City. Her unique creations blend traditional craft techniques, the rich heritage of female-dominated decorative arts, and contemporary and conceptual art, earning her the label of "naive pop." Stout, originally from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, graduated with a degree in furniture design from the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 2012. Post-graduation, she was commissioned by Bjarne Melgaard to design furniture for his installation at the 2014 Whitney Biennial. Notably, in 2015, Stout emerged victorious in the inaugural season of Ellen's Design Challenge. Her work has been showcased at prestigious art and design galleries such as Jeffrey Deitch, Tina Kim, Friedman Benda, Venus Over Manhattan, Nina Johnson, and R & Company, as well as esteemed institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, and the Swiss Institute.
Piet Hein EEK
Category:
Furniture / Interior
Location:
Eindhoven, NL
Info:
Piet Hein Eek, a renowned Dutch designer, is celebrated for his creations that demand considerable craftsmanship, utilizing affordable found materials. With a strong ecological focus, Eek advocates for sustainable design by repurposing these materials. His designs skillfully enhance the natural characteristics of the materials, granting his pieces a unique aesthetic. Apart from his contributions to furniture design in the Netherlands, Eek has undertaken sustainability projects in developing nations. Notably 2018, he collaborated with IKEA to create a furniture line.
Jeff Martin
Category:
Furniture / Sculpture
Location:
Vancouver, BC
Info:
Jeff Martin, a Canadian designer residing in Vancouver, British Columbia, possesses a profound expertise in traditional woodworking. His artistic journey has given rise to a sophisticated and organic design language firmly rooted in the essence of craftsmanship. Since the inception of his studio in 2012, Martin's passion for furniture design has expanded beyond wood joinery, embracing diverse materials like cast metals, textiles, ceramics, carved stone, and blown glass.
The hallmark traits of Martin's studio include meticulous research and a hands-on approach, leading to the development of innovative processes. These characteristics define the studio's identity, shaping its unique and compelling work.
Upcoming Exhibition
The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain hosts an exhibition by Studio Mumbai Architects, directed by Bijoy Jain, from December 2023 to May 2024. Studio Mumbai's creative synthesis of art, architecture, and materials is distinguished by its unique exploration of water, air, and light. Bijoy Jain, the creative force behind the studio, brings expertise from renowned institutions worldwide. The practice’s significant global footprint includes exhibitions at venues like the Victoria and Albert Museum (2010) and the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2010 and 2016.