Pia's Picks: art is everywhere
7.7.2021
I like many things, but my apartment can’t fit them all. So, many products end up in my watch list instead of my shopping cart. And this time, it’s «art» you’re allowed to touch.
If you appreciate art or make it yourself, you may have rolled your eyes at the title. I realise art isn’t necessary for making coffee or washing hands. And yet artist Allan Kaprow once said, «Everything is art, art is everything.» What matters: it’s inspiring to your senses. Besides, I often find myself in the museum rolling my eyes, because I think to myself, «This is art?» The lines are blurred in many cases.
If I had come across the ceramic ball «La Boule» by Villeroy & Boch in the museum and not in the Galaxus range, I would’ve undoubtedly mistaken it for a sculpture. Perhaps even be part of the series «Solid Voids» by artist Birgitte Due Madsen, which plays with geometric shapes. Her work, much like this sphere, has a velvety polished surface. But there’s more to it: Boule is a seven-piece tableware set. Taken apart, it consists of two bowls, shallow bowls and universal plates each, as well as a serving plate. Its function is camouflaged by the stacking technique.
The espresso maker «Pulcina» has incorporated steps. It blurs the lines between everyday object and art. The machine reminds me of a brochure by publishing house Athena Tacha full of non-functional stair sculptures. I like when things play with my perception like that. Another plus is that I don’t have to store the pot away, thanks to its ornate look. The stove turns into a pedestal and the kitchen into a gallery (article in German).
The spinning top «Arca» by Chicura keeps a secret. Although it reminds me of the artist’s Kiho Kang strange ceramic figures, it’s not just the staff that’s off. The aligned rings reveal the secret: if you take off the golden lid, a small secret compartment is revealed.
The fact that the brass hook «Curvature» by Ferm Living is handmade gives it a sculptural feel. But the moment you use it for its toilet paper purpose, the charade is over. It may not be a historic treasure. But I like that its organic shape differs from most chrome steel fixtures. It turns your bathroom into a gallery.
Because «Liba» by Ferm Living is made of plastic instead of clay, it can’t be an antique clay jug. Nevertheless, aesthetics and unevenness suggest exactly that. Again, the handmade look is fooling me.
The teardrop-shaped «Blob» by Eva Solo is a pretty thing. If not for the small opening, I would have thought it’s a sculpture. However, it’s a soap dispenser: Blob can be filled with soap or detergent. A real eye catcher for any kitchen or bathroom sink.
The more stylish and decorative an object is, the more quickly I see its sculptural quality. Especially when taken out of context. And that’s a good thing. I’d rather be fooled by design objects than be bored by them. I think about Kaprow’s quote, «Everything is art,» and simply enjoy it.
«Pia’s Picks» is a regular feature. Tune in for more items from my watch list that you can use to spruce up your home. Follow me as an author to stay up to date.
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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