Sculptural design elements run through today's collection of design news. Paris-based interior architect and designer Emmanuelle Simon has launched Ary, a new furniture collection comprising wall-mounted consoles, a coffee table, desk and bench, sideboards and bedside tables. All sculptural in form with wavy curves, the unique pieces are handcrafted in France and feature fluted oak detailing with burl oak tops.
Japanese ceramicist Shiho Hayashi works with clay to create minimal, yet elegant sculptural pieces. Her new collection, currently being exhibited in Auckland as part of the Modern Japan Craft 21 Exhibition at Public Record, juxtaposes soft gentle curves with defined outlines and forms to reference isolated parts of the body. With a vast depth of knowledge around different techniques, Shiho explores this by experimenting freely with elegant forms and tactile texture.
In addition to taking inspiration from nature, Shiho is greatly inspired by the work of Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi, whose world-famous Akari lamps designed in the 1950s are still sought after today. Her most recent collection uses a lot of black as a result of the firing processes and she hopes that by reducing it down to one colour people will see the beautiful hidden landscapes that arise within the pieces. Modern Japan Craft 21 runs until 12th December.
The work of Danish duo Kristina Krogh and Christian Andersen of studio Krogh Andersen is built around a certain dynamic with a graphical language. Their minimalist works, often inspired by curves, surfaces and calming meditative lines found in nature, leave only shape and shadow visible in an effort to draw the viewer closer and create a quiet and intimate conversation. Their goal is to make work that is an invitation to observe the world through shape and surface. Their latest works, a series of Relief Mirrors are a perfect example. Made from plaster, wood and mirror glass, each mirror is handmade and designed to float from the wall, which casts a beautiful shadow behind the mirrors. A special wall bracket is attached to the back, making it easy to hang.
At the intersection between old and new and design and art, Danish brand New Works pays homage to the strong Scandinavian history of craftsmanship and materiality, whilst challenging the contemporary forms of today. Collaborating with an international group of renowned designers and artists, who display a matching fascination with sculptural forms and honest materials, they have teamed up with long-time collaborator Lotta Agaton Interiors and photographer Mikkel Mortensen to create their Autumn '21 campaign imagery. The airy, light-filled location provides a beautiful backdrop for the sculptural collection of furniture and lighting.
