MILAN 2008: Helica Ceramics by Anouk Omlo Blossoms
by Abigail Doan
The arrival of Salone Internazionale del Mobile marks not only the official start of spring in the design world, but also an inspiring cross-pollination of fresh ideas related to innovative furniture, lighting, and product design. This year’s fair promises a fertile field of unique creations showcasing the latest display of high-tech methods as well as handcrafted processes. With this in mind, we wanted to launch our Milan 2008 coverage with the visually stunning ceramic work of Dutch designer, Anouk Omlo, as her latest ‘Helica Series’ is totally emblematic of current (bio)rhythms in design and the budding forms taking shape in our eco-imaginations.
Helica Carnea by Anouk Omlo (profile view)
Olmo’s super-gorgeous Helica (spiral) Series is inspired by mathematical patterns and ratios found in nature ala the Fibonacci series and Mother Nature’s golden ratio. Seventy-two soft clay ‘pyramids’ are arranged on a half-sphere base in eight spirals, and then each pyramid is carefully opened as an individual blossom. Anouk Omlo’s work is logical in method but completely organic in result.
We love the complexity of this new ceramic species and the subtle hues of carnea (light pink), brunea (brown), and rosea (dark pink) that the designer has classified in her taxonomy of forms. At first glance one might think that Omlo’s designs are computer-aided or digitally rendered, but these unique sculptural objects are completely handmade and crafted with a wink to biomimicry as the ultimate source for design know-how and eco-purity.
The Helica Series will be presented at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan from April 16 until April 21 and as part of the Design Factory Brainport Eindhoven exhibition in the Zona Tortona area.
The opening for Design Factory Brainport Eindhoven at Via Forcella (where Omlo’s ‘Helica Carnea’ will debut) is on Wednesday, April 16 from 15 - 17h.
+ Anouk Omlo
+ Salone Internazionale del Mobile
+ Design Factory Brainport Eindhoven
Helica Carnea by Anouk Omlo (top view)
Helica Carnea by Anouk Omlo (full bloom)
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