Sabine Marcelis Unveils Whimsical “Jelly Floats” at Lake Como Design Festival
Milan – The world of design is witnessing a vibrant transformation as Dutch-New Zealander designer Sabine Marcelis continues to make waves with her innovative approach to spatial design. Her latest installation, “Jelly Floats,” is currently captivating audiences at the Lake Como Edition hotel, coinciding with the ongoing Lake Como Design Festival, which runs until September 21.
A Playful Installation
“Jelly Floats” features a collection of sculptural, translucent, donut-shaped floaties that embody Marcelis’s signature playful aesthetic. This installation marks her inaugural venture into inflatable forms, a departure from her previous explorations of the iconic donut shape in various mediums such as rugs, lamps, and bowls. The floaties, crafted from hot pink PVC (polyvinyl chloride), create a striking contrast against the serene natural backdrop of Lake Como, inviting visitors to engage with the installation in a lighthearted manner.
Marcelis expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s all about providing a bit of fun to the visitors enjoying the pool. Design doesn’t always have to be so serious.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in contemporary design, where playful and whimsical elements are increasingly embraced as a counterbalance to the often austere nature of high-end design.
The Significance of Smaller Design Events
In her conversation with WWD, Marcelis highlighted the importance of smaller design festivals, such as the Lake Como Design Festival. She noted her excitement about attending the event for the first time and expressed admiration for similar smaller design weeks she has visited in places like Vietnam, Bali, and Mallorca. “These events can be very surprising and easier to manage than the larger ones,” she remarked, underscoring the unique opportunities they provide for creativity and innovation.
Recent Highlights and Collaborations
Marcelis’s recent work has garnered international attention, including her participation in the Miss Dior exhibition held at the Fosun Foundation in Shanghai earlier this month. There, she showcased her work alongside prominent artists from China, Japan, and the United States, including Ai Jing, Judy Chicago, and Ingrid Donat. This collaboration not only highlights her versatility but also her ability to engage with diverse artistic communities.
Additionally, Marcelis is set to collaborate with the multidisciplinary practice Cloud, founded by Paul Cournet, for an exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024. This partnership promises to further expand her creative horizons and solidify her position within the global design landscape.
Lake Como Design Festival: A Celebration of Design Heritage
The Lake Como Design Festival, now in its seventh edition, serves as a platform for both established and emerging designers to showcase their work. This year’s festival features a tribute to the influential Italian architect and designer Aldo Rossi, curated by Chiara Spangaro in collaboration with the Fondazione Aldo Rossi. The exhibition, titled “Architecture by Fragments,” is hosted in the San Pietro in Atrio exhibition space, a former church that adds historical depth to the event.
In addition to Rossi’s work, the festival also highlights the contributions of his contemporary, Ico Parisi. The inaugural exhibition at the new headquarters of the Archivio Design Ico Parisi showcases large-format paintings from the series “Crolli edificanti – Tavole di provocazione” (Italian for “Edifying Collapses – Provocative Tables”). These works, created during the 1970s and 1980s, have never before been exhibited in Como, offering a rare glimpse into Parisi’s artistic legacy.
The Intersection of Design and Nature
Marcelis’s “Jelly Floats” installation not only adds a playful element to the Lake Como Edition hotel but also invites visitors to reflect on the relationship between design and nature. The vibrant pink floaties juxtaposed against the tranquil waters of Lake Como serve as a reminder of the potential for design to enhance our experiences in natural settings. This theme resonates with a growing movement within the design community that seeks to harmonize human-made objects with their environments.
Conclusion
As Sabine Marcelis continues to push the boundaries of design with her innovative projects, her work at the Lake Como Design Festival exemplifies the evolving nature of contemporary design. By embracing whimsy and playfulness, she invites audiences to engage with design in new and exciting ways. The festival itself, with its rich history and focus on both established and emerging talents, serves as a vital platform for the exploration of design’s potential to inspire and connect us to our surroundings. As the festival unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to showcase the dynamic interplay between creativity, culture, and the natural world.
