PORTFOLIO | PROJECTS

(Selection)

IDIOSYNCRATIC CHAIR

2023/24

Our work begins at the point where the immanent of an object is exceeded and its specific functions have shifted.

BLACK FLAMINGO

2018/21

BLACK FLAMINGO

cotton/linen, oak wood

dimensions variable

Black Flamingo is a strict geometrical minimalist bench, made of recycled and waxed oak wood, which contrasts visually and physically with the accompanying fitted cushions. As in the AI-series, the patterns of the cushions here were generated by the algorithms of a 3D modelling program, random generators and through sequencing. These methods are to highlight a possible future, in which AI takes the lead role within the design and production process and opposes with its artificiality to the genetics of organic materials provided by nature. As a design studio, we've been focusing on working with AI|for some time now. In our projects, the AI makes essential decisions about the design of an object - its shape, colors and materials - through random parameters consisting of only numerical values, which it then translates into a visual language. What makes AI-initiated designs|so interesting is that they are created virtually (without any constraints) and are initially subject to the very conditions of a virtual world. We as a design studio in turn, have the ambition to bring these virtual ideas, which initially seem unattainable, into our reality. In a time when a symbiosis between humans and AI|is becoming increasingly relevant, we see ourselves as mediators|between the worlds. More importantly, a steady collaboration with AI sparks hopes to eventually being able to facilitate design concepts that incorporate more diversity, opening up to broader possibilities in terms of the design process, but also in terms of communicating and experiencing designs within a social and creative context.

The bench Black Flamingo|was first created in 2018 and was introduced on the occasion of Isola Design Festival 2021|initiated by Isola Design District.

Black Flamingo|has been awarded with the ICONIC AWARD 2022: Innovative Interior|with the »Selection« distinction in the category Furniture and received the GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2023 - Special|in the category - Excellent Product Design - Furniture. The Project was also nominated|for the Isola Design Awards 2021|in the category Innovation in Design.

We thank|Isola Design|for the nomination and the German Design Council and the Jury|for the honoring.

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When categorical boundaries between disciplines blur, plans, drawings, maquettes and texts merge into a holistic idea: our furniture objects pass through several states of aggregation during and after their creation, which allows us to re-evaluate our objects and creative practice at any point given.|

introduced at DDW 2020

DOT

2019/20

One of our approaches for now is primarily aimed at promoting and practicing upcycling. We know that this aspect is only one out of many on the way to a more sustainable industry, but it represents a beginning transition from past production methods to a much greener future. We have started to use recycled parts of old, disused furniture and combined them with new and more natural materials.

SPIDER

2017/18

We are working on a broad palette of works, but one group of works we particularly enjoy working on are||lamps. Here is a selection of objects that were also exhibited and/or featured on various occasions. This series is to be continued.

GHOST

2016

We create stylistic, aesthetic and narrative models. Our furniture objects are highly speculative by nature.

featured in A&W

NAMELESS

2016

NAMELESS|is a lamp that comes with a classic metallic base and an opal coloured, filigree lampshade that features a reduced motif of curved lines. These lines, which aren't just randomly arranged into a composition, were particularly inspired by Japanese calligraphy, respectively the Cǎoshū|characters, which are not just being read as typical letters, but are rather perceived as complete images. This aspect is a relevant feature for the design of this object, as it functions as a metaphor, suggesting the overall concept for this object is not just about designing a lamp, but it is revolving around designing a specific perception: aesthetic features come to the fore, while immanent practical functions |move into the background.

MORE PROJECTS

There has always been a particular interest in furniture design. Furniture objects often cameoed in earlier art shows until 2015, either as found objects, studies or complete and newly built furniture pieces.

Untitled (study Josef Albers chair), 2011

wood, fabric, foam, rivets

ca. 65 x 65 x 60 cm

This work was on display during OFF EMPIRE at Reisebürogalerie, initiated by Galerie Nagel Draxler in 2011.

Products

Green, 2018

metal with chrome finish, wood, fabric, cable, hight ca. 88 (max.)/ 73 (min.) x 42 x 42 cm (entire lamp), 40 x 20 cm (lampshade only)

BLUE and GREEN are additions to the ongoing project reshaping forms and functions, which investigates notions of sustainability. Both objects were first presented during EUNIQUE and DesignWeek Karlsruhe in 2018, later at Talents on the occasion of Tendence in 2019.

Events

AI-Series, 2017- ongoing

foam, fabric, 50 x 40 x 10 cm

(other dimensions available soon)

This object was featured in the exhibition pamphlet for Talents - a special section on the consumer goods fair|Tendence|in Frankfurt am Main|(2019 June/July). This object is part of our new product group sculptures wanted.

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However, we eventually started to professionalize and expand our practice and research onto a broader furniture palette. We see all of our objects as plays with open storylines.

Untitled (table shelf sculpture), 2011

acacia wood, ca. 110 x 50 x 45 cm

Untitled (table shelf sculpure)|is a working model for a table, which at the same time and at will can also be used as a shelf, or even be seen as a sculpture in its own right - the usability of this piece is open|and is geared to meet a user’s needs, which are not just pragmatic by nature, but above all, express a profound desire for flexibility.

This work was on display during OFF EMPIRE at Reisebürogalerie, initiated by Galerie Nagel Draxler in 2011

Products

Sunset Serenade, 2013

fleece, lightbulb, cable, dimensions variable

This object was on display during Because you placed your bet on the visible it doesnt mean the invisible isn’t there|at former Blanket (now Galerie Natalia Hug, Cologne) and also as a black version during Derangement Arrangement|at Hinterconti,

Hamburg, both in 2013.

Events

Blue, 2018

metal with chrome finish, wood, fabric, cable, hight ca. 88 (max.)/ 73 (min.) x 42 x 42 cm (entire lamp), 40 x 20 cm (lampshade only)

Digital PR

Stay tuned for more coming up soon!

Anja Sopic | Design