Known for their conceptual play on materials, the Dutch duo Formafantasma has geared up to take on the pure physics and alchemical employment of materials of car brand Lexus, for their Salone del Mobile exhibition. Embracing the Japanese stalwart's theme of ‘anticipation’, the Italians created ‘An encounter with anticipation’ – three site specific installations that merge Lexus’ futuristic vision with their poetic elegance.
Of the three individual experiences, the most immersive and experimental space features three kinetic steel pieces, slowly moving in synergy. Fuelled by a similar hydrogen cell technology to that used by Lexus, the rotating pieces hang above a powder pink Perspex floor; yet it is what lies beneath – the hydrogen – that controls the works. The gas is used to power the light in the graphic shapes, creating a surreal aura.
The space is somewhat altered by an added touch. With the same ethos of experimentation, the hydrogen lamps were surrounded by a 'taste' experience. The surprising morsels included something resembling a lily pad floating on water, topped with a red jus; and another, a fish broth with a gelatine burst inside. Both were conceived by Michelin starred Milanese chef Yoji Tokuyoshi. The flavours were totally unusual, set somewhere between sweet and sour, both intensifying the 'power of water'.
For a second installation, Formafantasma take Lexus’ DNA as a car brand and pair this with Japanese textile and architectural traditions. Creating a dramatic illusion of threads lifting a LF-FC concept car in slow motion, the enclosed vehicle is surrounded by light, accentuating a powerful distortion.
The third install shows a full appreciation for the innovation in materials employed by Lexus. Decorated using the same Japanese lacquering technique applied to the LF-FC car, Formafantasma realised 16 geometric chairs, positioned as an entrance or meeting point – a further play, perhaps, on the ‘anticipation’ of what game changing innovation Lexus might reveal yet.
All of the installations explore the brand’s harnessing of pure physics and alchemical employment of materials. Pictured: the collaboration’s third install of geometric stools, created using a lacquering technique also applied to the LF-FC concept car
The most experimental space features three kinetic steel pieces, slowly moving in synergy
Fueled by hydrogen cell technology also used by Lexus, the rotating pieces hang above a Perspex floor, with a hydrogen power station attached at the wall
In another room, the duo create the illusion of threads lifting a LF-FC concept car in slow motion
Elsewhere, Michelin starred chef Yoji Tokuyoshi provided water themed experimental tasters including this one, entitled ‘Buoyancy’
INFORMATION
’Lexus: An encounter with anticipation’ is on view until 12 April. For more information, visit the Lexus website
ADDRESS
Spazio Lexus – Torneria
Via Tortona, 32
Milan
-
Loewe’s Jonathan Anderson drafts artists to create 24 extraordinary lamps at Milan Design Week 2024Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson commissioned international artists and artisans to explore ‘illumination within the house’ with a series of lamps and lighting installations, shown at a group exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024
-
What are polynucleotides? Trying the skin injectable made from salmon spermPolynucleotides are the latest in skin injectables, containing DNA derived from the gonads of salmon. Wallpaper* Beauty & Grooming Editor Hannah Tindle tries them to discover exactly how they work
-
Josèfa Ntjam on her surreal utopias in VeniceArtist Josèfa Ntjam and LAS Art Foundation bring other worlds to life with ‘swell of spæc(i)es’ at Palazzina Canonica during the Venice Biennale 2024
-
Faye Toogood brings new life to Matisse’s legacyMilan Design Week 2023: tapped by Maison Matisse, the London-based designer has taken inspiration from the French master’s forms to create a collection of heirloom-worthy objects
-
Prada Frames 2023: Milan programme announcedProgramme announced for Prada Frames 2023 at Milan Design Week, the annual symposium curated by Formafantasma at Luigi Caccia Dominioni's Teatro Filodrammatici from 17 to 19 April
-
Alessi Occasional Objects: Virgil Abloh’s take on cutleryBest Cross Pollination: Alessi's cutlery by the late designer Virgil Abloh, in collaboration with his London studio Alaska Alaska, is awarded at the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2023
-
Salone del Mobile 2023: highlights from Milan Design WeekIn pictures: our highlights from Milan Design Week, held during the 61st Salone del Mobile 2023 (18-23 April)
-
USM launches blushing pink limited edition of its modular furnitureFollowing an installation during Milan Design Week 2022, USM launches a new pink limited edition of its Haller range
-
‘You don't want space; you want to fill it’: Milan exhibitionMaking its debut during Milan Design Week 2022 at Marsèll Paradise, a new exhibition by Matylda Krzykowski, explores how we approach the space we live in (until 15 July 2022)
-
Men’s mental health takes centre stage at an art and design exhibition by Tableau‘Confessions’, which travels to Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design following its debut at Milan Design Week 2022, features commissioned work by 14 male artists, designers and architects, reflecting on toxic masculinity, vulnerability and mental health
-
Salone del Mobile 2022: highlights from Milan Design WeekIn pictures: our highlights from Milan Design Week 2022, held during the 60th edition of Salone del Mobile (7 – 12 June 2022)
