Changing the narrative of things that matter. My self-initiated exhibition about the value and meaning of every day products in todays consumer society at DDW23.
Consumer society is running at full speed. The more we surround ourselves with products, the less value or meaning they seem to have to us. How can design today lead to products that will still matter tomorrow?
Meaningful relationships
The Product Chronicles explored how designers can address and strengthen the connection between user and product. How can design contribute to valuable products in the broadest sense of the word? And thus create a meaningful relationship between people and things?
During Dutch Design Week you can find sustainable solutions to current problems on every street corner. Although I support these initiatives and also see the urgency to replace existing products or systems with more sustainable alternatives, I also believe we must look at our selves more. What makes a product valuable to us? When do we keep something, and when do we throw it away? After working for DDW as a freelance curator for several years, I felt the need to have more creative freedom in what I wanted to say. I gathered a few like-minded designers together and presented their work in the context of The Product Chronicles, my self-initiated exhibition away from the busy Strijp-S, presented at Atelier NL’s church. It was at this location where we found the right space, both physically as mentally, to put this topic on the agenda.
Presenting work by:
– Aniela Fidler Wieruszewska // Diamond Makers Lab
– Antoine Peters // Hand in hand in hand
– Christien Meindertsma // FLOCKS wool roving in three dimensions
– Nienke Hoogvliet & Tim Jongerius // Kairos
– Noud Sleumer // Wind Pavilions
– Re-gained // presents: Studio Simone Post x Sparo, Atelier Reservé x Boro Atelier, PTSA x UvA x Ahrend
The exhibition was held at Atelier NL’s venue, the Bergmannkerk (church). ADuring The Product Chronicles, Atelier NL offers an open studio, showcasing their latest project ‘Amsterdam Tableware’ and selling their iconic Clayservice. The KoffieKopSalon, a collaborative effort with Residency of the People and the neighborhood, produced live works in the studio for two days.
Date & Time:
The Product Chronicles @ Dutch Design Week 2023
Daily from 21 – 29 October, from 11.00 – 18.00
Entrance is free.
More info or press images: via info@zakkastories.nl
Graphic design by Karen van der Kraats
