The internet is full of inspiration. Every day I discover beautiful art, design, and architecture – but often these little treasures get lost in the digital clutter. With “The Edit” I want to share a carefully curated selection of outstanding artworks, stunning architecture, and inspiring designs that catch my eye on my daily research.
Let’s start with some random inspiration. The Champion table lamp by Atelier de Troupe also stands out for its reduction to basic abstract shapes. The shade is made of opal white sandblasted glass and the base is made of black glass. Atelier de Troupe places a high value on honest designs and quality craftsmanship. They are known for putting the character of their materials at the heart of their products. As such, each lamp is not only made locally but is also a testament to the in-depth craftsmanship that goes into each creation.
Omar Shelf by Lotto Studio
In a previous issue of The Edit, Lotto Studio was already featured with the Canti Chair. This time I would like to share the Omar collection. Consisting of a shelf and a side table, the collection by Lotto Studio brings extruded aluminum profiles (otherwise in use as heat sinks for electrical engineering) into a completely new context. Using simple cuts from these profiles, the designers create a technically inspired form that is also aesthetically pleasing.
Lotto’s work demonstrates the creative and innovative possibilities that recycling and recontextualizing materials can offer. Lotto questions the boundary of what a piece of furniture can be and how it should be designed, bridging the gap between industrial processes and domestic use. The photos are by @louisdebelle.
Tom Holden – Energetic Minimalism
Next, I would like to introduce the British artist and designer Tom Holden. Holden’s work is characterized by a distinctive, minimalist, and at the same time dynamic oeuvre. His paintings are dominated by earthy tones, giving the works a calming, natural appearance. Sometimes brushstrokes can be seen, bringing out details and setting striking accents – thus shaping the overall composition. Through different color nuances, he creates dynamic color layers that tell their own story and give the work a fascinating complexity. Holden’s works depict a variety of elements from diverse areas of life, culture, and landscape – all reduced to the essentials.
Tom spent several years in Italy and Berlin studying art and design and currently lives in Royal Leamington Spa. In addition to his art, he works as a designer for Jaguar Land Rover.
Jeanne-Mance II by Ian Nataf Architect
Up next, we have a minimalist renovation of a two-story apartment in Montreal. Designed by architecture firm Ian Nataf, the focal point of the apartment is a sculptural spiral staircase in the middle of the floor plan.
The design of the apartment is characterized by warm minimalism. At the same time, the warm wooden floor creates a charming contrast with the otherwise white walls. The processed wood tone is also reflected in the choice of furniture, which picks up the natural atmosphere of the apartment and thus further enhances it. Photographer Alex Lesage captures the calm and harmonious atmosphere of the design through his beautiful photographs.
Random Inspiration – Organic Abstraction
Organic forms represent an alternative aesthetic that contrasts with the strict geometry and exact precision of many minimalist artworks. They refer to shapes, lines, and structures that are derived from or mimic nature. Organic forms often give the viewer a sense of familiarity, as if viewing a landscape, object, or figure in its purest, unadulterated form. They can be depicted realistically, abstractly, or stylized. The following two artworks demonstrate the use of an organic formal language in a beautiful but completely different way:
Muamba M (Image 3) is a beige sculpture made of cement by Vanessa Da Silva, a Brazilian artist living in London. The sculpture consists of two strands that together almost form a circle but are open in one place. The fine detailing gives the impression that a fluid movement has been frozen, exploring the relationship between human form and sculpture. The two strands suggest a connection between two bodies, creating an open-ended narrative and a sense of dynamism and movement.
Danish artist Lars Christensen takes a very different approach: his monochrome and minimalist paintings (Image 4) play with the effect of straight lines and their interaction with texture and light to create a sense of organic forms. He uses color as form and movable, malleable mass, achieving a three-dimensional sculptural effect.
And that’s it for this 10th edition. If you have found something interesting, beautiful, or fascinating that you would like to share with us, please send an email to [email protected].
