Objects of Frequent Curiosity explores "secret recipe" for iridescent resin

After studying the secrets and techniques of a craftsman with a singular components for iridescent resin, design studio Objects of Frequent Curiosity has used it to provide 13 ethereal objects.

Introduced at Nilafur Depot for Milan design week, Poikilos is a collection of furnishings and homeware designs that showcase the distinct qualities of this specific resin.

The works, which vary from small bowls to a big eating desk, characteristic surprising and extremely nuanced qualities of color and translucency.

Afairesi console is one in all 13 objects solid in iridescent resin. Photograph is by Ambra Crociani

“In each piece, you uncover one other attribute of the fabric,” stated Eleni Petaloti, who co-founded New York- and Athens-based Objects of Frequent Curiosity with accomplice Leonidas Trampoukis.

“The stable items are extra milky, whereas the thinner items grow to be nearly clear,” she advised Dezeen.

Petaloti and Trampoukis realized find out how to produce this resin from Romanian-born Ovidiu Colea, 85, who turned a maker after shifting to New York within the Nineteen Seventies.

Trapezion dining table for Poikilos by Objects of Common Interest — Trapezion eating desk is one the most important items on present. Photograph is by Ambra Crociani

Over the a long time, Colea had developed a singular resin craft utilizing strategies and recipes he formulated himself.

“He was casting resin for 40 years and found so many various methods of doing it,” stated Petaloti. “He developed secret recipes and methods of doing loopy stuff.”

Klisis chair for Poikilos by Objects of Common Interest — Klisis is a three-legged chair constructed from the fabric. Photograph is by Ambra Crociani

Colea’s studio labored on all types of initiatives. There have been behind-the-scenes collaborations with artists, which was how he first met Petaloti, however he additionally mass-produced souvenier replicas of the Statue of Liberty.

When he determined to retire, Petaloti tried unsuccessfully to seek out him a accomplice to hold on his craft.

“To me, he was a scientist,” she defined. “However no one understood his worth, as a result of he was so modest.”

Afairesi console for Poikilos by Objects of Common Interest — Every object exhibits a special attribute of the fabric. Photograph is by C41

As a substitute, Colea determined to entrust Objects of Frequent Curiosity along with his equipment and recipes.

His complete workshop was shipped to Athens, the place Petaloti and Trampoukis arrange a brand new manufacturing facility, and he travelled over to assist practice employees.

“It was an excessive problem,” stated Petaloti. “He has a really specific method of constructing resin – it is like a secret recipe locked inside one other secret recipe.”

“He came visiting for 2 weeks, and he labored day and night time on the coaching.”

Poikilos resin furniture exhibition by Objects of Common Interest at Nilufar Depot in Milan — The works have been introduced at Nilufar Depot in Milan. Photograph is by Ruy Teixeira

Poikilos is the primary results of this enterprise. The exhibition, curated by Valentina Ciuffi of Studio Vedèt, explores how this iridescent resin can be utilized to provide extremely sculptural furnishings and homeware.

The designs construct on the modern aesthetic seen in different Objects of Frequent Curiosity initiatives, which embrace the tubular Formation seats and the inflatable fountain at this yr’s Alcova exhibition.

Klisis chair for Poikilos at Poikilos resin furniture exhibition by Objects of Common Interest at Nilufar Depot in Milan — The exhibition was titled Poikilos, a phrase utilized in Historic Greece to explain iridescence. Photograph is by Ruy Teixeira

Highlights embrace the three-legged Klisis chair, the concave Afairesi console and the whale-like Stala espresso desk.

“Valentina did not need us to go to a territory that had been explored already,” stated Petaloti. “We needed to provide you with one thing that was an evolution of our work however that additionally mirrored the particularities of the fabric.”

for Poikilos at Poikilos resin furniture exhibition by Objects of Common Interest at Nilufar Depot in Milan — The smallest works on present have been the Fiali bowls. Photograph is by Ruy Teixeira

The identify, Poikilos, is a phrase utilized in Historic Greece to explain “the mottled fur of a operating leopard or the iridescent pores and skin of a snake”.

That is believed to be the earliest reference to the idea of iridescence, making a transparent reference to the studio’s new location in Athens.

Objects of Common Interest resin factory in Athens — Objects of Frequent Curiosity has established a brand new manufacturing facility in Athens specialising in resin craft. Photograph is by C41

One of the vital necessary outcomes of the challenge, in response to Petaloti, is the financial worth that this manufacturing facility can deliver to Athens. The studio is supported by EU funding and now employs 13 individuals.

“It has been fascinating to activate a making second in Athens,” stated Petaloti. “That makes me actually proud.”

Poikilos was on present at Nilufar Depot from 17 to 23 April as a part of Milan design week. See our Milan design week 2023 information on Dezeen Occasions Information for details about the numerous different exhibitions, installations and talks that came about all through the week.