2014
Concept, photography, layout, research, editing, production
Concept, photography, layout, research, editing, production
Detail of the catalogue cover: laser-cut lettering
For this project, around 30 Berlin design studios of all sizes were interviewed, from small 2-man shows to large international companies, with the aim of getting a look behind the scenes. Due to our international team, the interviews were conducted in English.
During the interviews I took pictures and wrote down some statements from the designers, 82 in total. I chose 10 of them to build this installation called 'Truths'.
During the interviews I took pictures and wrote down some statements from the designers, 82 in total. I chose 10 of them to build this installation called 'Truths'.
These statements are just personal opinions. They are not meant to be milestones of design knowledge, but what they all are is true. They attempt to convey the lived experience and therefore the truth of each of their authors. Collectively, they express the status quo of the moment.
Therein lies the intended irony of this work: the metal component signals commemoration and implies longevity, presenting them as memorable statements dictated by authorities, as legacies to be preserved for the future and for generations to come. In fact, they express momentary points of view, snapshots of the designers' situations.
This installation is intended to engage, provoke and inspire viewers to reflect on Berlin's design scene and develop their own opinions on these truths.
One of the plaques of the second edition. Statement by Janine Staatmann of Bon Bon Büro
The installation is accompanied by a catalogue that introduces the people behind the statements and their context, presenting a summary of the interviews and photos of the designers and their studios.
For the design, it was important to me to maintain a clear and harmonious relationship with the installation: monumental and controversial. It is large and heavy; its cover is made of stainless steel. Inside, the paper is quite thin and soft, and its layout reveals the grid behind the design.
As part of the centenary celebrations of Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle (1915–2015), this catalogue was selected as one of the '100 best books of the Burg' in 100 years.
This work (installation and book) was requested and shown in two exhibitions at the First Design Biennial of Havana, at the Ludwig Foundation and at the Fábrica de Arte.
This work (installation and book) was requested and shown in two exhibitions at the First Design Biennial of Havana, at the Ludwig Foundation and at the Fábrica de Arte.
Catalogue: Cover in 1 mm stainless steel with laser-cut letters in 1.5 mm stainless steel
Sample interior pages: the final image compositions have been reworked to give them a rusty, fragile look. Pictured: Hendrik Schwantes of Heimann und Schwantes.
Sample interior pages: the grid behind the design is shown. Pictured studio: Heimann and Schwantes.
Sample interior pages. Pictured: Bruno Bakalovic of PlexGroup.
Sample interior pages. Pictured: Porf. Steffen Schumann of Anschlaege.
Sample interior pages. Pictured studio: Anschlaege.
Photo of the plaque "The design scene today is a nightmare", statement by Nicolas Bourquin of onlab, on the door of the main building of Burg Giebichenstein (it's still there today, my legacy at Burg University :-)
Plaque at the door of the Industrial Design Faculty: "I consider myself more a craftworker, like a carpenter" statement by Martin Wenzel
Plaque at the door of the Fashion Design Faculty: "I would like to work more for myself and less for other people"" statement by Malte Kaune
poster for the installation
orientation poster for the presentation at the Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle, showing the locations of the plaques in the design campus
Installation (part of) at the 2016 Havana Design Biennial at the entrance to the Fábrica de Arte.
