Jens Praet : Fossilized
January 15 - February 26 '11
Industry Gallery
Washington
'Fossilized' is the first solo US exhibition of work by Jens Praet. The Belgium-born, Florence-based designer works with waste paper and resin, resulting in a material which has the strength of wood, which he then uses to create furniture pieces.
'Fossilized' is part of the designer's 'Shredded' Collection. Praet has shredded and recycled copies of Art in America, Capitol File, Details, Fast Company and Robb Report and mixed with clear resin to create five different designs - console, bench, side table, large table and large shelf - each in an edition of 12 with each design made from a specific title.
The designer says "For the last thirty years we have heard about the recycling of waste... Waste is usually strongly linked with pollution and to often the term waste implies things which have been used inefficiently or inappropriately. So how can we make this abstract concept a reality?"
In creating these objects he hopes not only to visualize this abstract problem but also to "transform them into a useful object with a new dignity."
"What started as a research project," says Praet, "turned out to be continuously growing furniture collection that ended up transforming seemingly useless documents and leftover magazines into useful objects. Paper waste returns to our living or working area as usable furniture."
Image above is 'One Day Paper Waste' the first shredded paper based piece by the designer.
'Shredded' by Jens Praet
'Shredded' by Jens Praet
'Shredded' by Jens Praet
'Shredded' by Jens Praet
