PD23 Winner
Category: Furniture - Chair Units Location: Lisbon, Portugal Designers: Bianca Bortolini and Marcella Virzi, Virzi and Bortolini Manufacturer: Illusory Objects
How could it be that we are still not rethinking the used of precious woods in today’s ecological awareness climate? What if we could re-purpose such pieces, not simply by repainting and making them into arts and crafts by-products, but reclaiming the work of craftsman of the past, both recent and old, and of all the wood being thrown away and incorporate it back in society as new design pieces?
These pieces can be transformed in new objects by adding elements of metal, sculptures, and contemporary design elements, making them not only new, but also great? A thought that could also be used in the future to apply to plastic objects and furniture. The use of smart thinking may also lead to influence and give a chance to the rebirth of dying techniques.
Made of recycled metals that are wasted by many industries or come simply from demolitions. Production carries a particularity, most times each object and piece of furniture will be unique, as a work of art in itself since there is no cohesive collection of objects and styles in the garbage bins and thrift shops. Every piece found will turn out differently, being part of this distinctive proposition. One that rekindles the relationship between local craftsman and theirs nearly forgotten talent. The process is promising to the small companies that still work with sculpting and chiseling but are now restricted to small productions.
The first series is inspired by the Egyptian culture. From times immemorial of the first tribes to the culture of the great Pharaohs period until the Egyptian revival during the Napoleonic times. In the research we found that wood was expansive, and most of furniture then was reserve for the wealthy. As a display of their affluence, they spoke for status in society. Mostly thrones, chairs, beds and seats are still influencing the way furniture is done today.
It is the projects intent to infuse original ideas into these materials. Giving them new form from the design elements inspired by the ancient thought and aesthetics and also the spiritual, invisible form of its attributes. Taking from past furniture, their status in society, the meaning and purpose of each creation and the craftsmanship used to make it and bringing into fresh compositions.
These first attempts into creating a new possibility could inspire other designers into reclaiming the waste to create the new out of the old. That could serve both as an exercise in creativity and a new way to perceive what is discarded.
Bianca Bortolini and Marcella Virzi, the founders behind Illusory Objects, have burst onto the furniture and object design scene with an exciting and revolutionary approach. Drawing inspiration from our diverse backgrounds in architecture and fashion design, we are injecting a whole new level of creativity into visually stunning and functional creations.
Illusory Objects aims to make a lasting impact on the design world. By seamlessly bridging the gap between art and design, with a new movement that challenges conventional notions and blurs the boundaries between the two fields. The pursuit of originality, quality, and innovation cements our status.
More works from the designer: illusoryobjects.com
