Apical Reform captures the power of emotions at Design Miami

‘Emotional Rocks’, a sculptural installation, created by Apical Reform Studio in collaboration with Zeel Studio was showcased at the recently concluded Design Miami festival. The event, held in early December, showcased these evocative pieces next to some equally innovative works by other designers and artists.

Miami-based Zeel Studio, headed by Gordana, is an art and design gallery that focuses on bringing together the works of well-renowned as well as emerging artists, designers and makers from around the world. Gordana, the curator and mind behind the gallery, is a self-thought aesthete who had years of experience as an art gallerist before she envisioned Zeel Studio.

The installation appropriately borrows its name from the concepts that have guided the ideation of its design. Although a constant and powerful presence in our lives, emotions can never be witnessed in a tangible manner. In an attempt to explore and capture the impact that emotions have on the people experiencing it as well as those experiencing the indirect impact of those emotions, these intriguing pebble-like installations imbue the space around them with a sense of introspection.

In addition to featuring as physical manifestations of the wide range of positive and negative emotions that we feel on a daily basis, the smooth, organically-shaped objects are also an attempt to engage and guide spectators towards acknowledging all the overwhelming sentiments they may be masking under their straight faces.

Founded in 2011, Apical Reform is an Indian design studio, headed by Darshan Soni and Amrish Patel. The design practice operates at the intersection of design and innovation, creating artistic pieces that do not shy away from stretching their boundaries with the help of technology.

Serving as an acknowledgement to the power that emotions hold, not just in terms of moulding individuals, but in moulding entire societies and impacting major life decisions, the physical presence of the ‘Emotional Rocks’ at the five-day-long festival reminded the spectators of the meaning that sentiments imbue in each individual’s life. The shiny appearance of the rocks bear allegorical references to the act of introspection that meaningfully shape individuals and societies.

It has the ability to positively remind people of all the times that individuals have come together to introspect and shape new ideas and perspectives, to develop an appreciation towards other ideas and acknowledge everyone’s individual contribution, consequently making the world kinder and more generous. The bench that forms part of the installation further enhances its role, making it a usable piece of furniture. One may lounge on it while also enjoying the view of the sculptures.