| |
| June 2001 |
| Blueprint |
| John Pawson exhibition - 5 Objects by WOW |
That maestro of restraint John Pawson has done the unthinkable: the arch minimalist architect who hates clutter has produced a range of home ware. Know for his obsession for hiding household objects in cupboards at his home, he has created five accessories - Bowl, Tray, Picture Frame and Candle Holder. They are in an exhibition When Objects Work at west London gallery Vessel, and will continue to be sold there after the show ends.
“I’ve been thinking about doing this for some time,” confesses Pawson. “My architecture is about a total vision which incorporates every detail. This is the next logical step in creating a harmonious living space in which nothing jars. I chose to reinterpret these five things which are left on display and not put away.
Pawson’s five objects have either two functions or can be seen from two angles to contrasting effect. The bronze bowl can sit flat for use as a fruit bowl or balance at an angle to be a dramatic table sculpture. The space-saving Tray comprises two trays - a circle of white lacquer inside a square of cedar. Vase is a rectangle of perspex with a removable cylindrical metal core. Even when the metal core is removed the vase can appear opaque, due to a play of light. Picture Frame is two-sided: one in white lacquer with the picture close up to the glass, so it casts a shadow and appears to float; the other side more conventional. The main body of Candle Holder is a wooden cylinder enclosing a glass cylinder that stores seven candles. The wood cylinder’s bronze lid doubles as a base to sit the candle on and glass cylinder to create a contemporary looking storm lantern.
Very Characteristically, Pawson has chosen simple forms: “I was aiming for a direct quality.” Just as surprising as his desire to produce the kind of objects you’d expect him to deem extraneous, is the playful quality of the objects. Picture Frame’s “floating” image and the play of light on vase suggest that, for once, functionality isn’t his only concern. “Playfulness is good, providing it doesn’t compromise function or directness,” he admits, a little sternly.
|
| Dominic Lutyens |
| |
