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Issue 61 - Vintage Modern Issue

Issue 61

Vintage Modern Issue

The breadth and scope of Habitus has always been extraordinary. With how we live at heart of every issue, we have stepped it up with Guest Editor David Flack of Flack Studio shaking the ‘how’ and looking at new ways to make a house a home. With Vintage Modern as the issues theme, we look at the way iconic design has stayed with us, how daring pieces from the past can add the wow factor and how architecture and good design defy the pigeon hole of their era.

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A Product of

Objects of desire
HappeningsJan Henderson

Objects of desire

Photography

Fiona Susanto

Artist

Trent Jansen

Furniture

Mast Furniture

Gallery

Mint Gallery

With a double win at the 2024 INDE.Awards, Australian object design and manufacture took centre stage with Boundless, showcasing a collection of furniture on a global platform at London Design Week in September.


Fresh from winning two category accolades at the 2024 INDE.Awards, The Influencer and The Object, Trent Jansen, Tanya Singer, Errol Evans along with Johnny Nargoodah were off to London, UK to exhibit.

These exceptional designers participated in London Design Festival, which ran from Saturday 14th September until Sunday 22nd September this year. The collaborators presented their work at the prestigious Mint Gallery in Duke Street W1U, established by Lina Kanafani and renowned for its contemporary collections that embrace cutting-edge design and showcase innovative one-off pieces.

The title of the exhibition, Boundless, introduced a limited-edition selection of furniture comprising Manta Pilti Cabinet, Credenza and Low Chair designed by Singer and Jansen; Kutitji Chair by Evans and Jansen; and Ngumu Janka Warnti Bench by Nargoodah and Jansen.

The pieces on display, that the designers have created together, speak of culture and Country and is testament to the incredible talent of the four individuals.

The project was supported by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and included American hard maple and American walnut, along with brass for detailing in the cabinet and credenza. The Bench was made from leather and aluminium. The translation of design to reality was accomplished by Chris Nicholson and Mast Furniture and, through the exacting process, showed that Australian manufacturing is world’s best.

From remote South Australia to the revered streets of Westminster in London, Singer, Evans, Nargoodah, and Jansen brought their particular and extraordinary works to a new audience. The story of each design was embedded in the forms, and through the materials, they presented a rich and tangible connection to the past and the present.

Related: Looking at time and matter through a mythic lens

It was heartening to see Australian design celebrated so enthusiastically on both the regional and global stages. These objects of desire were conceived and realised over many years, and the design process overcame the challenges of time and distance. It is remarkable that the end result culminated in forms of such beauty that were recognised as the objects they are—simply incredible.

For anyone who travelled to the UK for London Design Week, taking the time to visit the Mint Gallery to see these pieces up close and personal surely changed their perspective of just what great design can achieve.

At the 2024 INDE.Awards, The Influencer category was partnered by K5 Furniture and The Object category by the American Hardwood Export Council. Singer, Evans, and Jansen won both categories with their collection, Kurunpa Kunpu – Strong Spirit.

Next up: “Simple forms integrated into unique designs”: Getting to know Sabu Studio


About the Author

Jan Henderson

Jan Henderson is currently an Editor and Program Director of the INDE.Awards at Indesign Media Asia Pacific. Her previous roles have included Acting-editor of Indesign magazine, Associate Publisher at Architecture Media, Editor and Co-editor of inside magazine and Interiors Editor of Architel.tv. As Principal of Henderson Media Consultants she contributes to various architecture and design magazines, is a regular speaker at events and has participated as a juror for industry awards. Jan is passionate about design and through her different roles supports and contributes to design in Australia.

Tags

2024 INDE.AwardsBoundlessErrol Evansexhibitionexhibitionsinde.awardsJohnny NargoodahTanya Singertrent jansen


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Issue 61 - Vintage Modern Issue

Issue 61

Vintage Modern Issue

The breadth and scope of Habitus has always been extraordinary. With how we live at heart of every issue, we have stepped it up with Guest Editor David Flack of Flack Studio shaking the ‘how’ and looking at new ways to make a house a home. With Vintage Modern as the issues theme, we look at the way iconic design has stayed with us, how daring pieces from the past can add the wow factor and how architecture and good design defy the pigeon hole of their era.

Order Issue