The Edit Vol. 18 With Manuela Guidarini, Mitchell Sweibel Studio and Dmitry Samygin

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 during my daily research.

At the beginning, I would like to introduce you to the Italian artist Manuela Guidarini (b. 1986). Guidarini explores the relationship between geometry and mental stillness in her abstract artworks. Her paintings are characterized by geometric shapes in different color tones. The inspiration behind her work is highly influenced by her passion for architecture, massing and geometrical grids interacting with light and shadow. She strives to remove non-essential elements and emphasize the essential in her art.

Manuela Guidarini describes her creative process as an attempt to find order in an overwhelming and often uncontrollable world. Through her strictly minimalist approach, she unconsciously seeks to create a sense of calm and invite the viewer to pause and contemplate the present moment. Manuela Guidarini’s art is both formally rigorous and deeply calming – a synthesis of abstract formal language and a deeply felt stillness.

You can find out more about Manuela Guidarini here: https://manuelaguidarini.com/

Manuela Guidarini, Composition in Green No. 2, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 80x60cm © The Artist
Manuela Guidarini, Composition in Green No. 2, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 80x60cm © The Artist
Manuela Guidarini, Untitled no.5, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 40 cm © The Artist
Manuela Guidarini, Untitled no.5, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 40 cm © The Artist
Manuela Guidarini, Nocturnal No. 2, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 80 cm © The Artist
Manuela Guidarini, Nocturnal No. 2, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 80 cm © The Artist

Port-Royal Apartment by Mitchell Sweibel Studio

Next, I would like to share with you a minimalist apartment by Mitchell Sweibel Studio. The 3,580-square-foot apartment is located on the 30th floor of a 33-storey residential building from 1964 in Montreal, Canada. The aim was to introduce a contemporary design language that respects the character and timeless architecture of the building.

The apartment is characterized by three large horizontal windows that offer a panoramic view of Mount Royal. The layout of the apartment was completely reconfigured, with an axial wall introduced as a central element to divide the apartment into two areas. For the interior design, the studio used a limited palette of matte surfaces and textured materials. Plaster walls and cabinets made of rough-sawn walnut bring material richness to the minimalist design concept.

More images and more about the project: https://www.mitchellsweibel.com/projects/port-royal

Main hall living area featuring sofa by Living Divani, side table by Frama, area rug by Nordic Knots. Photography by Alex Lesage
Main hall living area featuring sofa by Living Divani, side table by Frama, area rug by Nordic Knots. Photography by Alex Lesage
Main hall axial wall featuring floor lamp by Studio Haos. Photography by Alex Lesage
Main hall axial wall featuring floor lamp by Studio Haos. Photography by Alex Lesage
Master bedroom featuring floor lamp by Lambert & Fils, millwork by Kastella, mass walls in lime plaster finish. Photography by Alex Lesage
Master bedroom featuring floor lamp by Lambert & Fils, millwork by Kastella, mass walls in lime plaster finish. Photography by Alex Lesage

‘Avant Garde’ Chair by Dmitry Samygin

And finally, I would like to share with you the minimalist “Avant Garde” chair by Russian designer Dmitry Samygin. Inspired by the Bauhaus style, the chair seems to pay homage to Gerrit Rietveld or the furniture designs of artist Donald Judd. The geometric shape of the chair is characterized by clear lines and right angles. The various components – seat, backrest and sides – appear as independent, yet harmoniously connected rectangles. Made of lacquered beech plywood, the chair is available in different colors.

Read more about here: https://www.savannah-bay.com/en/product/avant-garde-armchair-by-dmitry-samygin-one-arm/

'Avant Garde' Chair by Dmitry Samygin, Image Courtesy Savannah Bay Gallery
Inspired by the Bauhaus style, the chair seems to pay homage to Gerrit Rietveld or the furniture designs of artist Donald Judd. ‘Avant Garde’ Chair by Dmitry Samygin, Image Courtesy Savannah Bay Gallery
'Avant Garde' Chair by Dmitry Samygin, Image Courtesy Savannah Bay Gallery
‘Avant Garde’ Chair by Dmitry Samygin, Image Courtesy Savannah Bay Gallery

Aesence is an independent art and design publication dedicated to minimalist aesthetics. Founded out of a deep appreciation and fascination, Aesence strives to be an inspiring, informative and truly useful resource for its readers.

Submissions | Services