To develop their concepts, participants were invited to think freely about their experience of living and working in isolation, responding to themes of touch, reflection and strength, and to channel their own experiences into a piece that represents our functional and emotional connections to everyday objects. The designers have considered ideas such as identity and cultural heritage, family and social ritual, the pandemic-induced need to adapt, and the inherent comfort of touch.
The selected designers were asked to develop their object from a selection of four sustainable hardwoods: American red oak, cherry, hard maple, and soft maple. Discovered incorporates pieces from a variety of media, from furniture, objects, and wood sculptures, and offers a series of personal reflections on each artist's pandemic experience.
The selected designers were asked to develop their object from a selection of four sustainable hardwoods: American red oak, cherry, hard maple, and soft maple. Discovered incorporates pieces from a variety of media, from furniture, objects, and wood sculptures, and offers a series of personal reflections on each artist's pandemic experience.
The exhibition will be on view from September 13 to October 10, 2021, including the duration of the London Design Festival, and brings together designers from across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia: Sizar Alexis, Isabelle Baudraz, Nong Chotipatoomwan, Mac Collins, Mew Mungnatee, Siyanda Mazibuko, Josh Krute, Pascal Hien, Trang Nguyen, Alessandra Fumagalli Romario, Taiho Shin, Mimi Shodeinde, Juan Carlos Franco, Juan Santiago Sierra, Ivana Taylor, Martin Thübeck, Yunhan Wang, Tan Wei Xiang, Duncan Young, Vivienne Wong.
Throughout the project, the designers have had the support and guidance of an international group of mentors such as Tomoko Azumi, Maria Jeglinska-Adamczewska, Nathan Yong, and Adam Markovitz.
"We are at a time when new generations need more support than ever, so it is an honor for us to collaborate with AHEC on the launch of Discovered and ensure that the designers of tomorrow have the platform they deserve."
Sarah Douglas, Editor-in-Chief of Wallpaper*.
“We are excited to be collaborating with Wallpaper* to engage and inspire the next generation of talented young designers. Discovered is a unique opportunity for us, as we will be joining forces with the other AHEC regional offices in a creative project for the first time. Together with Wallpaper*, we have selected an extremely exciting line-up of designers from 16 different countries. This project has enabled us to give them an extremely valuable learning experience on product design and development with sustainable hardwood".
David Venables, European director, AHEC.
Discovered, a collaboration between the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Wallpaper magazine *
