The excitement surrounding exhibitions like "Culture First", hosted at the newly opened Berlin-based VAUST and co-curated in cooperation with CØR Studio, is palpable. This intimate event provocatively merges the realms of collectible art and design, heralding a transformative moment in the evolution of a new art scene. These showcases not only capture the zeitgeist of Berlin's evolving design landscape but also signal a broader shift towards experimentation and introspective exploration. 

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Following the well-documented events post-reunification, Berlin became a crucible for global talent—drawing in a diverse array of artists, designers, and visionaries. This influx has fostered a thriving ecosystem of alternative art spaces, independent galleries, and experimental collectives, all flourishing under the city's unique blend of multiculturalism and artistic freedom.

On the contrary, Berlin's design narrative has been deeply intertwined with the Bauhaus legacy, which prioritized order, function and accessible design. The conventional model emphasized a structured relationship on the line between designer and manufacturer-brand. However, the current scene diverges dramatically from this lineage. We are now witnessing the emergence of niche artists and designers who defy these traditional boundaries, producing limited edition pieces that inhabit the intersection of art and design.

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“For the occasion of opening our new studio space in the heart of Berlin-Schöneberg, we decided to not only host but also curate the event. ‘Culture First’ is the very first edition of a new format dedicated to the emerging scene of collectible design and functional art, which, as of yet, has only a small stage in Berlin’s rich cultural environment. Together with our friends at CØR Studio in Paris, we have developed this format to build bridges not only between art and design but also between the two creative capitals of Paris and Berlin. To foster this cultural axis as a catalyst for exchange and collaboration seems like a matter of course to us,” said David Kosock, co-founder of VAUST.

How did the idea for this exhibition come about? The concept of this exhibition had been a vague idea for a long time. It all began when VAUST was invited to design the interior of a gallery in Paris for CØR Studio. The CØR gallery space, distinctively un-French, was infused with Berlin flair, rawness, and a breath of fresh air. It’s a place that breaks away from the traditional norms of Parisian private galleries, serving as a versatile venue for events, presentations, and showrooms. From this design project, a friendship blossomed, leading to the oft-repeated phrase, "let’s do something together." The seed of the idea was there, but it needed the right moment to mature into a fully developed form.

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Joern Scheipers, co-founder of VAUST, recalls their dual roles as observers and participants in the design and art world. “Usually, in such exhibitions, the artists are the main focus, but we felt that this artist centralization might not be the best direction. The collectible scene is still emerging, very young, and raw in its aesthetic. There wasn’t an appropriate space to host them. In this situation, the artist is not first—but the culture is.” They felt the need to create a common ground for these projects to converge, giving the event an experimental yet tangible dimension.

This coincided with VAUST moving into their brand-new workspace in Schöneberg. As Joern adds, the space is spacious enough to include a showroom-gallery area. This way, their studio wouldn’t just be a private space but could also serve as a showcase platform for art and design.

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In April, the ethos of "Culture First" was tangibly realized as VAUST and CØR Studio unveiled a curated selection of works by 16 emerging artists. The exhibition showcased a range of compelling pieces, including Carsten in der Elst’s primal stone sculpture-objects and the Berlin-based duo Obscure Objects audacious Chunk Chair, a bold exploration in stainless steel. Among these works, if we focus on the object-stool concept, 6AM Glassworks presented a captivating piece from their experimental series 1/1/1, delving into uncharted realms of glass artistry. Each sculpture is a unique, hand-numbered, and hand-signed testament to creative ingenuity, crafted from the renowned glassblowing traditions of Murano, Venice. The new wave of daring elegance was exemplified by the presence of an obliquely shaped chair and table from Corpus Studio, which offered a striking contrast to Pierre Castignola's creations, characterized by experimental deconstruction.

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The main ambiance was dominated by a raw aesthetic with a touch of edgy charm. Under a single roof, Reidar Mester’s minimalist aluminum creations, distilled to pure lines and essential forms, are juxtaposed against Illya Goldman Gubin's distinctive cardboard object, strengthened with layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin. While the exhibition prominently features Berlin-based creators, it also includes influential figures from other major cities, such as sashaxsasha from Paris, 6AM Glassworks from Milan, and Vénère from Amsterdam. This eclectic mix highlighted a diverse array of voices, fusing the avant-garde with the established, and fluidly blurring the boundaries between art and design, mirroring contemporary trends.

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The synergy coming from collaborative efforts of VAUST with Studio CØR, forges a bridge between art and design, establishing a platform for cultural exchange and growth. This initiative not only invigorates Berlin’s dynamic creative scene but also extends its influence to Paris, where the exhibition continues to make its mark.

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VAUST

Founded by David Kosock and Joern Scheipers, is a multidisciplinary Berlin-based studio that draws inspiration from the city's rich brutalist architecture to create striking and impactful designs. Their work spans interior design for retail spaces, restaurants, private homes, as well as capsule collections of furniture, sculptural art pieces, and creative brand direction. Vaust's distinctive visual language combines rough quarried stone with polished metal and glass, reflecting Berlin's unique blend of weighty forms and vibrant eccentricity.

CØR Studio

CØR's new multifunctional space in the Marais district of Paris, founded by Thea von Winning and Anabel Karos, has quickly become a vibrant hub for creativity. Designed by Studio VAUST, this inviting venue has already hosted numerous exhibitions, fashion events, and gatherings of various creatives. The space serves as a versatile canvas, providing a perfect setting for artistic expression and collaboration.