Anna Carnick

This winter, the Art Institute of Chicago presents German designer Konstantin Grcic‘s first US solo show. Grcic has made a career of subverting and reinterpreting familiar social and cultural references in such a way as to make them strangely, fascinatingly, unfamiliar. His minimalistic work sharpens the senses, making us question common objects we so often take for granted, and how they define the spaces in which we move. Chairs, desks, lamps, kitchen equipment, you name it: all just different enough to raise our antennae, but still recognizably approachable.

I had the opportunity to preview the exhibit for Clear Magazine‘s December issue, and the full story is available by clicking here.

Clear’s digital winter issue is up online now at www.clearmag.com. We’re really excited – and I’m personally pretty proud – to have collaborated with Designer of the Year Maarten Baas on the cover for the special Design Miami/Art Basel issue!

In addition to Mr. Baas, the new issue features profiles of and new projects by the likes of Marcel Wanders, Konstantin Grcic, Anna Sui, Yves Behar, Front Design, Mariko Mori, Theo Jansen and many more!

In Greek mythology, “Arcadia” was an idyllic, remote mountain region where man lived in perfect harmony with nature. Gestalten‘s new book by the same title – Arcadia: Cross Country Style, Architecture and Design – demonstrates how modern design continues to facilitate a lifestyle in tune with our natural surroundings, featuring incredible architecture, bespoke furniture and interior design projects from around the globe.

Check out my full review at Coolhunting.com!

*Images courtesy of Gestalten

Jordan Cammarata, an Industrial Design student at Philadelphia University,  recently earned top honors with his PULL lamp (above), winning the 2009 Collab Student Design Competition. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Collab winner was announced during last week’s Marcel Wanders opening at the Museum.

As Cammarata explains it, the PULL lamp is a contemporary interpretation of Harvey Hubbell‘s pull chain socket, patented in 1896. By pulling the chain (also the stand), the light glows from the pull chain itself. The off-center position of the pull chain, inspired by its natural orientation, is counterintuitive to the casual observer. Inspired by Wanders’ work, PULL embodies the creative use of materials and unconventional style so characteristic of the award-winning Dutch designer’s work.

*image courtesy of Jordan Cammarata

"Seasick Yet Still Docked", series by Mark Joshua Epstein

"Seasick Yet Still Docked", series by Mark Joshua Epstein

The “CurlyQ” multimedia group show opens this Friday, November 20th, 7-9pm.
Hosted by Jack the Pelican Presents: 487 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn, NY.

Featuring work by:

Lars Kremer
Rob Fisher
Mary Ting
Mark Joshua Epstein
Ian Brownlee
Joseph Cavalieri
Nola Romano
Matt Hansel
Charles Birnbaum
George Jenne
Yuanyuan Yang
Elia Alba
Ira Eduardovna