Ukurant, a curated exhibition platform and community for emerging designers, architects, artists, craftsmen, and students, is currently presenting its third edition at the prestigious 3 Days of Design event in Copenhagen.
The organizers of Ukurant have carefully selected pieces by 18 talented emerging designers to showcase their innovative and experimental designs.
This year, the Ukurant exhibition has transformed the Barlby Carlsson woodwork factory into a captivating temporary exhibition space. Among the remarkable works on display, one that deserves special attention is a lamp created by Adam Bialek. Bialek's design explores the relationship between humans and the sun, delving into sun worship, rituals, and sun iconography. The project aims to evoke our emotional connection with the sun and bring back its primordial essence into our lives. Casted in an egg-yolk based biopolymer, the lamp symbolically connects the material with the mythological motifs of the world egg and the golden womb – the sources of all life. It takes the form of an analemma idol emitting light, becoming a personified sun in an ancient-modern object symbiosis.
Wood, a material commonly used in the workshop, features prominently in many of the exhibited works. One striking piece is "Det er ikke bejdse, det brændt" (translated as "It's not stained, it's burnt"), a wooden table designed by Anne Skaarup Jaedicke. Jaedicke describes the design as "decorated by fire" and serves as a pedestal for cherished objects or a versatile table for those unexpectedly finding themselves sitting on the floor. The intricate raised pattern on the pine wood is achieved through controlled burning, and the structure is held together by aluminum spikes.
Another noteworthy designer showcased at Ukurant is Mathias Brask-Nilsen Malm, a Norwegian-born talent whose work intertwines computer-generative technology, biology, and craftsmanship. One of his notable designs on display was "Ugress" (Weeds), a furniture piece that explores an imposing and expressionistic approach to modern furniture design.
Employing algorithmic technology, "Ugress" digitally grows its own unique shapes, paying homage to the mathematical representations that nature has inspired in art and ornamentation. The growth principles behind the design are rooted in nature, highlighting the intriguing correspondence between natural growth and computational power.
Ukurant's presence at 3 Days of Design is a testament to its commitment to supporting and promoting emerging talent. The curated selection of designs not only captivates visitors but also represents the vision and ethos of Ukurant as a platform dedicated to pushing boundaries, celebrating diversity, and fostering collaboration within the design industry.
