The Wonder Cabinets of Europe is a project initiated by Maria Jeglinska and fellow artist Livia Lauber, who met in Switzerland during their studies, then set off across Europe. They decided to create an exhibition that would comprise a sort of diary of their travels, inviting six other up-and-coming designers from across Europe to create a contemporary cabinet of curiosities. Referencing the legendary guise of the collector and his cabinet, each work is presented as an exhibition within the exhibition at large. The works, fitted within the wooden "cabinet", are to be unveiled at the London Design Festival, each entirely distinct, personalised according to each designer's own vision.
According to Jeglinska and Lauber,
We hope that the cabinets provided the designers with an opportunity for introspection, stimulating them to reflect upon their own praxis and the driving elements behind their approaches. Interestingly, each "wonder designer" (as we started to call them), zoomed in on the very essence of their process. They responded with very precise thoughts about what makes up their identity as designers, what constitutes their design DNA.
The exhibition both gives a platform for these young artists to reveal their talents, but also to give some insight into the methodology of artists who work across Europe - inspired by the cities of their childhood and the cities they have encountered in their travels as adults.
Jeglinska's own project The Ash Series presents three tree-like objects in wood that function as lamps. She worked with Polish craftsmen, getting a glimpse of the tradition and process of carpentry and woodcutting. The end result is a collection of wooden sculptures that emanate the natural warmth of wood.
Other artists in the exhibition: Pauline Deltour (French designer, based in Paris), Oscar Diaz (Spanish designer, based in London), Kueng Caputo (Swiss designers, based in Zürich), Loris&Livia (Swiss designers, based in London), Philippe Malouin, (Canadian designer, based in London), Judith Seng, (German designer, based in Berlin), Harry Thaler (Italian designer, based in London).
Studio Insights - The Wonder Cabinets Of Europe takes place at the London Design Festival as part of the Brompton Design District between the 17th – 23rd of September 2012. The showcase is among several satellite events that are part of the annual design festival, which celebrates its tenth edition this year as one of the world's premier events for the industry.
For more information, see: londondesignfestival.com
Editor: Agnieszka Le Nart
Source: Adam Mickiewicz Institute