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PAD Paris, one of the most prestigious art and design fairs, once again gathered the finest contemporary and modern design pieces from around the world. Held annually in the heart of Paris, the event brings together leading galleries, designers and collectors, making it a key moment in the global design calendar. Cape Town-based multidisciplinary artist Jan Ernst unveiled the Wildflower Waters chandelier, created specifically for Objects with Narratives' (OWN) Room of Desire booth at PAD. This bespoke piece embodies the gallery's vision of blending contemporary art with luxurious design.
"The Room of Desire offers an intimate exploration of craftsmanship, sensuality and excellence. Embracing the colour red, the space transcends mere hue, becoming a narrative woven from the finest materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully curated to engage the senses, inviting a tactile connection that dissolves the boundary between viewer and object," reads an official statement from OWN.
The chandelier was inspired by Ernst's childhood memories of spending hours by the river on the farm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the water and flora. This connection to nature became the foundation for the product design, with the studio spending eight months researching and experimenting with botanical forms. The organic shapes of the chandelier mimic cascading willow branches, and the flowing water of the river is captured through a ceramic ceiling projection. The suspended elements represent various life stages found in nature, from seeds and flowers to buds, pods, sprouts and leaves, embodying the dynamic cycle of life.
This piece reflects Ernst's commitment to collectible design, paying homage to nature through personal storytelling, while embracing a relentless pursuit of craftsmanship. Each component of the lighting design is meticulously hand-built in the studio using locally sourced white stoneware clay, specially mixed for Jan Ernst Studio. The chandelier features elements treated with iron oxide, giving it a warm, red glow. The oxide is applied like a stain to create varying intensities and ombré effects. The electrical components are made from copper and paired with fabric cables. They were carefully selected to complement the booth's theme and enhance the overall design, creating harmony between materials and aesthetics.
With a focus on pushing the boundaries of experimental lighting, the piece challenges the norms of interior design, creating a sculptural installation that is both functional and artistic. At PAD Paris this year, the chandelier was displayed in a curated living room setup, alongside works from other artists. It became a vertical moment, grounding the room with its sculptural presence and creating a sense of balance within the carefully designed environment.
Jan Ernst Studio has enjoyed a four-year relationship with the Brussels-based design gallery, Objects with Narratives, having showcased work together at PAD Paris three times, along with numerous group shows. This ongoing collaboration underscores their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and artistic excellence.
This release marks a pivotal moment for the studio, as it is the first chandelier of this size, complexity and nature to be created by the studio. Looking ahead, Ernst plans to evolve the chandelier into a bronze version, blending the rich texture of clay with the timeless elegance of bronze. This next step will further his vision of merging art, design and sustainability, creating pieces that challenge material boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to nature.
What do you think?