From hot seats to circus acts, Maarten Baas gets his game on

To call this a retrospective might at first sound a tad presumptuous: after all, Maarten Baas is only 39, still in action and constantly evolving. ‘Hide & Seek’ is his first big solo exhibition since his debut at the Design Academy Eindhoven graduation show in 2002, where he launched the now-iconic 'Smoke’ series.
But the Dutch designer has a long history with the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands. ‘It all started in 2003 when we gave him a collection of furniture that was in storage to “smoke”; in 2006 we commissioned him to do a series of the “Clay” fans for us; and five years ago we invited him to redesign the Mendini Restaurant, which was entirely furnished with items from that series,’ says Mark Wilson, the exhibition’s chief curator.
Installation view of Baas' 'Smoke' series at the Groninger Museum
The nine distinct chapters in the exhibition are presented chronologically. Beginning with ‘Smoke’ – in which the designer burns furniture before covering it with a transparent layer of epoxy to make it functional again – the series includes Ettore Sottsass’ ‘Carlton’ room divider and the Campana brothers’ ‘Favela Chair’. New pieces have been created to add to the museum’s ‘Clay’ collection. Meanwhile, six grandfather clocks from the ‘Real Time’ series are shown together for the first time; and there is an updated arrangement of the ‘Circus’ (launched at Salone del Mobile in 2014).
Baas’ works are known for their rebellious and dramatic elements, so naming the exhibition after a game sounds just about right. ‘“Hide” and “Seek” are two distinct qualities. “Hide” is closed, hidden, invisible, while “seek” means going out, taking new steps. Sometimes, it feels like an alchemist mixing all the stuff together to make something special,’ Baas explains.
Grandfather clocks from the ‘Real Time’ series
More recent works include acclaimed pieces launched last year. The ‘Carapace’ series of wooden furniture encased in metal mimics the protective camouflage of hard-shelled animals. ‘Close Parity’, based on a series of naive sketches, is realised in bronze and kept in balance by counterweights.
‘We are interested in Baas more as an artist rather than a designer; of course, he is parallel in both. We recognise the elevation in his 15 years of works and also the unique voice that he has developed. When you walk through the exhibition you can really see his way of thinking and progression,’ says Wilson.
Viewers are also treated to a sneak peek of his upcoming Milan presentation in collaboration with Lensvelt, which explores the highly topical dilemma of the difficulty in separating opinions from news, and fact from fiction. A new collection of chairs with the Dutch manufacturer will be launched in April, too.
Works from the hand-moulded 'Clay' series includes furniture that are all uniquely shaped
For the 'Smoke' series, Baas burns furniture and covers them with a layer of epoxy resin
A sneak peak Baas' upcoming Milan presentation in collaboration with Lensvelt, which explores the highly topical dilemma of the difficulty in separating opinions from news, and fact from fiction
The designer's 'Close Parity' collection is executed in bronze plates that are kept in balance by counterweights
INFORMATION
‘Hide & Seek’ is on view until 24 September. For more information, visit the Groninger Museum website
ADDRESS
Groninger Museum
Museumeiland 1
9711 ME Groningen
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Yoko Choy is the China editor at Wallpaper* magazine, where she has contributed for over a decade. Her work has also been featured in numerous Chinese and international publications. As a creative and communications consultant, Yoko has worked with renowned institutions such as Art Basel and Beijing Design Week, as well as brands such as Hermès and Assouline. With dual bases in Hong Kong and Amsterdam, Yoko is an active participant in design awards judging panels and conferences, where she shares her mission of promoting cross-cultural exchange and translating insights from both the Eastern and Western worlds into a common creative language. Yoko is currently working on several exciting projects, including a sustainable lifestyle concept and a book on Chinese contemporary design.
-
Tuneshine is a new way of bringing back the lost art of the album cover
The compact Tuneshine screen uses LED tech to illuminate the artwork of whatever you’re currently streaming
-
Inside the new theatre at Jacob’s Pillow and its ‘magic box’, part of a pioneering complex designed for dance
Jacob’s Pillow welcomes the reborn Doris Duke Theatre by Mecanoo, a new space that has just opened in the beloved Berkshires cultural hub for the summer season
-
What to see at Rencontres d’Arles 2025, questioning power structures in the state and family
Suppressed memories resurface in sharply considered photography at Rencontres d'Arles 2025. Here are some standout photographers to see
-
‘100 Years, 60 Designers, 1 Future’: 1882 Ltd plate auction supports ceramic craft
The ceramics brand’s founder Emily Johnson asked 60 artists, designers, musicians and architects – from John Pawson to Robbie Williams – to design plates, which will be auctioned to fund the next generation of craftspeople
-
‘Disabled people have always been here’: a new V&A show centres on disability in design
Curator Natalie Kane takes us through five key exhibits from the London show, where design points the way to a more inclusive society
-
Malta’s London Design Biennale installation ‘reclaims death as a moment of reflection, not fear’
Wallpaper* speaks with Andrew Borg Wirth, curator of Malta's installation, ‘URNA’, which reimagines cremation rituals
-
11 things that caught our eye at Clerkenwell Design Week 2025
The Wallpaper* team bring you highlights from London’s Clerkenwell Design Week (20-22 May) – from public installations to product launches and a biscuit bar
-
‘R for Repair’ at London Design Festival displays broken objects, re-formed
In the second half of a two-part exhibition and as part of London Design Festival 2022, ‘R for Repair’ at the V&A displays broken objects, re-formed
-
‘Finding quality through the act of making’: Pearson Lloyd celebrates 25 years of design
Pearson Lloyd’s show ‘Change Making’ reflects on past designs from its archives, showcasing the influences on and evolution of the studio, from furniture design to the NHS
-
Tom Dixon marks his studio's 20 years with a show of design experiments
Mushroom, cork, steel coral and more: Tom Dixon showcases an overview of his design experiments as he celebrates his practice's 20 years
-
Porro unveils new London showroom at Coal Office
London Design Festival 2022: industrial architecture meets pure geometries in the new Porro showroom, taking over a space within Tom Dixon’s Coal Office to showcase the brand’s systems and furniture