Julian Schwarz’s ‘Big Cherry II’ urn

In cherry wood and resembling an enormous fairy tea cup or classical urn, we love the strong organic element in the design of this intriguing piece by Julian Schwarz. Entitled ‘Big Cherry II’ the particular texture and irregularities of the wood take centre stage. Based in France, the artist works only with traditional hand tools (axes, saws, shears, gouges etc) and his starting point for this piece was a halved tree trunk which he carved into this powerful and raw object. His work inevitably makes us think of various references, but he is clear: ’I don’t like a piece to make people think of something. Through my bulky forms I am looking for solidity, energy, architectural presence. My work may have a brutal aspect but I hope it exudes a vital humanity’.

As well as the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Julian Schwarz’s work can be found in the Fonds National d’Art Contemporain, The Henry Moore Foundation and the Tate and V & A Libraries.

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Freres Campana – Barroco Rococo exhibition

We saw the Frères Campana – Barroco Rococo at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs today. It is a tiny exhibition tucked away on the fifth floor behind an exciting display of contemporary design which we will blog about tomorrow!

This is the Campana brother’s first museum exhibition in France and they have some new pieces made especially for the occasion. I can’t help but think of Lenny Kravitz when I look at this work but then when I read about it, it becomes more interesting. A bit…They worked with a gallery in Rome for this collection, which explores the theme of ‘private Roman interiors’. The works all relate to stylistic movements such as Baroque and Rococo ‘with the aim of drawing parallels between design and architecture’ to quote the English language text for the exhibition. We are not convinced – perhaps we need further explanation. Taking decorative elements from the 17th and 18th century in miniature versions and casting them in bronze so they are used as structures for sofas and candelabrum. What do you think?

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Astrid Krogh

Last week we were excited to see Astrid Krogh’s latest works at the vernissage of her exhibition, ‘Sky’ at Maria Wettergren’s gallery. We were lucky enough to talk to the artist who explained that her inspiration is natural and artificial light and the dialogue between the two. This stunning piece, ‘Mare Tranquilitatis’ is an optic fibre installation which takes its inspiration from a lunar mare situated within the Tranquilitatis basin on the moon. The fibres gradually and subtly change color creating an everchanging and hypnotic landscape while the light reflections on the circular dish lead the eye back to create another dimension. Truly a statement piece!

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Gino Sarfatti, Triennale Museum Milan

Gino Sarfatti designed and produced over 400 lights during a 30 year period. He founded Arteluce, the Italian lighting maker and continually pushed the boundaries of light design to new heights. Sarfatti was truly innovative in his field and the current retrospective of his work at the Triennale Museum in Milan (until 11 November) showcases his genius and his outstanding contribution to lighting.

Here are  few of our favourite Sarfatti lights from the 1950s.

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Gino Sarfatti Sputnik chandelier

This ‘Sputnik’ chandelier (1958) shows the fluidity of his post war organic design in the mid to late 1950s. Sarfatti became the international reference point for the ‘modern architectural movement’.

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Gino Sarfatti’s ‘Triennale’ floor lamp, 1950’s

‘Triennale’ floor lamp, 1950s. In brass with leather handles, white enameled shades and a marble base, this lamp perfectly displays Sarfatti’s bold and masterful use of diverse materials.

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Gino Sarfatti’s 566 table lamp (1956)

No. 566 table lamp (1956). The black lacquered bulb holder moves up and down the stem and the electric wire becomes an intrinsic part of the design, rather than merely being a means to make the light function. We love the strong lines.

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