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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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Useful Objects opens with ‘Desire x Design’ at Melbourne Design Week

Useful Objects opens with ‘Desire x Design’ at Melbourne Design Week

Useful Objects has just opened its doors and has a notable exhibition, ‘Desire x Design,’ coming as part of Melbourne Design Week.


Located at 47 Easey Street, Collingwood in Melbourne, Useful Objects is a new gallery space conceived as a platform for innovative designer-makers. It is set to introduce its inaugural exhibition, ‘Desire x Design,’ as part of Melbourne Design Week (MDW) from May 15th to June 15th, 2024.

The roster of talent featured at the gallery’s opening exhibition reads like a who’s who of Australia’s design scene: Elliot Bastianon, Danielle Brustman & Edward Linacre, Jordan Fleming, Lisa Gorman, Trent Jansen, Jay Jermyn, Marlo Lyda, Joanne Odisho, Marcus Piper and Dean Toepfer. Each of these designers brings a unique perspective and approach to their craft, promising an eclectic and thought-provoking showcase.

Marlo Lyda, photograph by Zan Wimberley

At the heart of Useful Objects’ mission is a commitment to telling compelling stories through objects that challenge traditional notions of function and materiality. Dr. Simon Maidment, the founder and gallery director, envisions Useful Objects as more than just a retail space but as a dynamic hub for dialogue and exploration within the design community.

“I am pleased to introduce Useful Objects, a new model for the presentation, advocacy, learning and purchase of collectible design in Naarm/Melbourne,” says Simon Maidment. “Having identified a gap in the market, Useful Objects establishes a unique designer-gallery partnership that encourages a deeper commitment and benefits for designers and industry. By showcasing and contextualising the work of these vital and dynamic groups of makers, who I believe are shaping Australian art and design history, the gallery invites reflection on how we see, appreciate and interact with design.”

Related: Map out your Melbourne Design Week with these 12 highlights

Danielle Brustman & Edward Linacre, Meteorite (in situ)

The theme of the inaugural exhibition, ‘Desire x Design,’ probes the complex interplay between human desires and the objects they covet. Through a diverse array of materials, ideas and forms, the featured designers explore the multifaceted nature of desire and its role in shaping our world. Divided into two halves, the exhibition first critiques the pervasive influence of consumerism on design, then pivots to celebrate desire as a potent source of meaning and transcendence.

Each designer brings their own distinct perspective to the theme. Elliot Bastianon’s works bridge human-centric design with the natural world, while Danielle Brustman & Edward Linacre infuse their creations with theatricality and nuanced color palettes. Jordan Fleming embraces a responsive approach to materiality, allowing her designs to evolve organically, while Lisa Gorman’s sculptures pay homage to the timeless art of weaving.

Joanne Odisho, Bloom-Lamps

The exhibition also serves as a testament to the diverse voices shaping contemporary Australian design. From Trent Jansen’s storytelling through objects to Marlo Lyda’s acts of reconstitution and Joanne Odisho’s exploration of sustainability, each designer offers a unique lens through which to view the world.

Useful Objects aims to foster ongoing dialogue and engagement with the design community through a robust program of exhibitions and events. ‘Desire x Design’ is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey of discovery and innovation in the world of collectible design.

‘Desire x Design’ will run from May 15th to June 15th, 2024, as part of MDW.

Useful Objects
usefulobjects.com.au

Photography
Various

Lisa Gorman, #61, #62, #63, #64, #65.
Dean Toepfer, Ombré Mirror, reclaimed synthetic parachute silk, mirror & LED.
Dean Toepfer, Mou Floor Lamp.
Elliot Bastianon, Oregon Chair.
Jordan Fleming, Éclat.
Jordan Fleming, Looking at me looking at you.
Marcus Piper, ORCH.
Marlo Lyda, Remnants 4.0 group.
Trent Jansen, Dropping a Kumbhar Wala Matka, photograph by Neville Sukhia.
Trent Jansen, Dropping a Kumbhar Wala Mutka triptych

Next up: Artist Luke Chiswell is back At The Above in Melbourne



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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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