Tim Vranken, known for his solid wood handmade furniture designs, exhibits his latest creation, Hermé, a sculpture made of aluminium, at Brussels Design September. It is the first time Vranken switches from his signature woodwork to another material. Hermé will be on display from September 12 - 30, 2024, at the Grand Sablon at Objects With Narratives, Belgium.
When one thinks of Vranken's body of work, geometry and minimalism come to mind—qualities that are also present in Hermé. The sculpture art interacts with its environment through a play of reflection and absorption of light and space, altering its appearance depending on the location. With its robust character and serene appearance, Hermé embodies the duality often seen in Vranken's work. Earlier this year, this was also evident in his ARA pool table, showcased at Collectible in Brussels.
To produce this aluminium sculpture, Vranken collaborated with Arthur Dekker, an expert in metalwork from Ghent. The precision in the brushed and mirrored aluminium and the refined welding work require craftsmanship that can only be achieved with a trained eye and hand. Vranken found in Dekker the perfect partner to bring his design to life.
The inspiration for Hermé comes from the ancient Herms (circa 6th century BC). These pillars were dedicated to the Greek god Hermes and were placed at crossroads, city gates and border areas in antiquity to protect travellers and ward off evil spirits.
Visitors to Brussels Design September will have the chance to admire Hermé, along with Vranken's ATER coffee table, which is also exhibited at Objects With Narratives.
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