Modern Revivals: Contemporary New Zealand Furniture

Modern Revivals: Contemporary New Zealand Furniture

Modern Revivals features award winning New Zealand-designed furniture that draws upon the sleek lines and functionality of modernist twentieth century design. The designers represented in the new exhibition at The Dowse address twenty-first century concerns of dwindling resources, sustainability, space, cost and comfort. Modern Revivals celebrates pieces that can fit seamlessly into our eclectic lives, pieces that will last and can be passed down to following generations.

The exhibition opening 13 December features over 20 pieces of furniture, showcasing work by Simon James, Nathan Goldsworthy, Designtree, Well-Groomed-Fox, David Moreland, Douglas and Bec, Clark Bardsley, Timothy John, Tréology, Neal Smith, Tim Webber, Candywhistle, Jamie McClellan, Duncan Sargent, Y.S. Collective and Fitzsimons.

Operating as craftspeople within a commercial market, these designers occupy a unique space between mass production and individual handcrafting. They produce everyday objects such as chairs, tables and lamps with careful attention to the function and beauty that such pieces provide in our day to day lives. Modern Revivals features work such as Simon James' Pick up Sticks Chair, crafted from oak and brilliant red upholstery. From Designtree's Frankie Floorlamp in American Ash timber and grey polyester felt to Fitzsimon's form pressed Éan Chair in a black stained Ash finish, the exhibition highlights designers who operate at the forefront of contemporary New Zealand furniture design.

For companies like Designtree, Fitzsimons and Y.S. Collective, sustainability doesn't just mean responsibly sourcing materials and considering environmental impact. As Fitzsimons puts it, sustainability should transcend the materials used and the quality of the product, 'for any product to stand the test of time, it must bring about an emotional response. We have to fall in love with it, get attached to it, and allow it to enrich our lives. And only then can design truly be considered enduring.' The emphasis on creating timeless pieces that reference mid twentieth century design is crucial to the practices of these designers. 'It's the combination of old and new,' says Y.S. collective, 'that allows us to push the boundaries of now.'
Exhibition details:

Modern Revivals: Contemporary New Zealand Furniture 13 December 2014 - 15 March 2015

FREE Entry
www.dowse.org.nz

ends

© Scoop Media