Design That Questions the Existence of Objects

Dutch designers have been making a significant international impact in recent years. Among them, Aldo Bakker stands out as a product designer with a strong individuality expressed through his unique forms. His work has been showcased at major European design events such as "Salone del Mobile" and "Design Miami," and his reputation continues to grow, evidenced by his win of "Design Awards 2011" from the British design magazine *Wallpaper*.

The 'Time & Care' exhibition marks the first time a wide range of Bakker's works will be presented in Asia, including his representative "Urushi series," crafted using lacquer and finished by artisans. Bakker, who selects the "inhuman" material of glass—perfect for expressing himself and creating artificial forms—distances himself from visually apparent "humanity" to produce works of tension. The combination of humanistic techniques and a certain perfection in artificial form is his central theme. After exploring the full potential of glass in his creations and completing the foundation for his glass works, he returns to furniture design using wood.



Regarding his creative process, Bakker states, "My work is the result of an incredibly time-consuming process that seems to have no end, and I believe design is a job of 'gifts of form.' This idea may not align with the current design dogma that 'a clear concept automatically leads to an interesting form.' In recent years, the terms 'authenticity' and 'originality' seem to be used carelessly. In my own use of language and the forms I create, I engage strictly with these terms, and I only give physical form to my designs when I judge each one to be an 'independent entity.'"

The design of the "Urushi series" is a clear statement of this self-inquiry and has become a new cornerstone of his practice. Through his love for materials and the endless pursuit of craftsmanship, he aims to awaken various human senses. His designs question "inhuman" presence, that is, the very existence of the objects themselves.



'Time & Care' Exhibition
Dates | Friday, February 3rd, 2012 – Sunday, February 26th, 2012
Hours | 11:00 – 20:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Venue | Sphera Exhibition
2F Sphera Building, 17 Benzaiten-cho, Shinbashi-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Closed | Wednesdays
Admission Free
http://www.ricordi-sfera.com/index.html