’Lignes d’Ombres’: Mobilab’s latest showcase is a creative meeting of minds

Commissioning two unique creative studios to create two different works and then showcasing the results together in one space could surely be a recipe for disaster. But happily, when the creatives in question are photographer Daniela Droz and ECAL graduates Thevoz-Choquet, the result is a harmonious meeting of minds. Currently on show at Mobilab, a space in Lausanne, Switzerland that strives to bridge the gap between art, collectable editions and functional pieces of design, 'Lignes d'Ombres' is the the latest in the gallery’s ‘Design Series’ – a set of exhibitions dedicated to pairing up two strong and unique designers or artists.

'The selection is of course based on the creators’ work, but also on their personality,’ says Herard, Mobilab founder and owner, of his selection process. 'It’s really important to me that these elements can meet – I then form a partnership of participants according to the proximity or opposition of their work. Above all though, the synergy has to be about passion, desire and pleasure – both with the result and the process.'

Following on from the previous two 'Design Series' exhibitions (photographer Nicolas Delaroche exhibited alongside graphic designer Camille Sauthier in January 2015 and artist Simon Deppierraz with photographer Tonatiuh Ambrosetti in May 2015) the third exhibition has resulted in Apophenie, a sharply-angled metal and mirror sculpture by Droz and a series of perfectly poised marble and opalescent tube lamps by Thevoz-Choquet.

United by their clean geometric lines and clever manipulation of light, the new pieces mark global debuts for both studios. For Droz, whose work has often led her to experiment with the creation of ‘still life’ sets made from mirrors and plastics, Apophenie marks her first (commissioned) foray into sculpture design. 

Made from metal and mirror, the kaleidoscopic structure is a scientific visual experiment that creates a different composition of intersecting lines, light and shadow depending on which side and angle it’s viewed from. A series of images shot by Droz that explore the piece from different angles are displayed alongside the sculpture.

Following on from their 2015 furniture and accessories collaboration with the marble experts at Italian manufacturer Bloc Studios (the results of which made it into our 2015 Design Directory in W*196), Virgile Thévoz and Joséphine Choquet used complex machining to create the pure spherical forms that each balance a glowing opalescent tube of light. Due to the natural colouring of the Carrara marble, the duo, who both completed ECAL’s Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship, have ensured that every piece is unique.

‘Both of them have a very clear and constructive approach to their creative efforts – no element left to chance, and everything is produced in an intelligent and thoughtful way,’ says Herard. ‘I like the idea that each edition is an adventure.’

For Droz, whose work has often led her to experiment with the creation of ‘still life’ sets made from mirrors and plastics, Apophenie marks her first (commissioned) foray into sculpture design. A series of images shot by Droz that explore the piece from different angles, are displayed alongside the sculpture

INFORMATION

’Lignes d’Ombres’ will be on view until 11 June. For more information, visit the Mobilab website (opens in new tab)

Photography courtesy Mobilab

ADDRESS

Mobilab
Rue du Simplon 35
1006 Lausanne

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