‘Emotional Rocks’, an art installation by Apical Reformation Studio, was showcased at ‘Design Miami’, an annual international design fair.
What happens when rocks get sentimental? Ahmedabad-based Apical Reforms Studio explores this idea in its art installation recently displayed at the 17th edition of “Design Miami” held in Miami Beach, USA. Artists and co-founders of Apical Reform, Darshan Soni and Amrish Patel, the only Indian design studio to showcase their works at the art-design fair this year, say the event is an opportunity to understand and appreciate global design trends. Was.
Design Miami, an annual design fair held in Miami, Florida, showcases the works of collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world. The idea of the fair is to celebrate the design culture and commerce by collecting, displaying, discussing and creating collectible designs at the venue. Featuring over 35 gallery and curio exhibitions, the theme of this year’s exhibition was ‘Human Types’. Some of the artists featured in the show include British visual artist David Shrigley, American multimedia artist Alex Israel and British painter Jade Fadozutimi, and New York-based artist and sculptor Hugh Hayden.
tangible feelings
“Our work, ‘Emotional Rocks’ interprets abstract emotions on hard objects. Emotions are forces capable of influencing individual or collective life. They provide a sense of quality and meaning to existence. This art installation embodies the powerful forces of emotion. which can soften even the toughest,” says Darshan, who is also an architect.
Conceived and executed by Darshan and Amrish, the work includes benches with reflective surfaces and shiny pebble-like forms, some of which seem to melt. “As artists, we have tried to express these collective feelings through ‘Emotional Rocks’. How we as human beings are constantly changing and how our attitude towards life is changing,” says Darshan .
‘Emotional Rocks’, an art installation by Apical Reformation Studios
Collectible design often combines art and functionality. “Occupying a lesser space between fine art and day-to-day activities, functional art refers to aesthetic objects that serve utilitarian purposes. The style is remarkably inclusive; it includes furniture, lighting, stairs and so on. range and much more. Through a deep understanding of material, environment and purpose, coupled with sound aesthetic sensibility, we have created works that are pleasant, comfortable and efficient in their function,” says Darshan.
developed design culture
While the design culture on a global scale is tapping into technological advancements and material exploration, India still has a long way to go, observes the philosophy. “The design environment in India is evolving. The Internet has made it easy to access, learn and be aware of what is happening around the world. But many more materials and technologies are not yet available to designers in India,” he adds.
Apical Reform is gearing up to exhibit its kinetic artworks in Geneva early next year. It will also display one of its functional artworks in Paris, which will continue at three different locations in Japan for the next nine months.
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