Art, lighting and furniture assemble at Nilufar Gallery’s Milan Design Week exhibit

This year at Milan Design Week 2023, Nilufar Gallery will showcase product designs by multidisciplinary artists and designers. From lighting design inspired by confectionary food items, art inspired by an experience of forced detention, to furniture design inspired by the lotus flower. "Each of the pieces I chose tells a specific story, they are a part of myself as well as Nilufar's story. Each work is an important addition to my journey in the world of design," shares Nina Yashar, the founder of Nilufar Gallery.

The Bright Side of Design by Nilufar Gallery at Milan Design Week 2023

Nilufar Gallery returns to Milan Design Week 2023 with 'The Bright Side of Design,' an exhibition that unfolds in the spaces of Nilufar Depot and Nilufar Gallery Via della Spiga. Nina Yashar presents her reflection and observations, shedding light on parallel and congruent paths to explore state-of-the-art collectible design—showcased is a seamlessly blended dialogue between thorough research on old masters and the discovery of contemporary creators, giving the centre stage to a plethora of inanimate life companions. With its deep knowledge and impactful presence, Nilufar Gallery invites visitors to partake in a journey that puts the spotlight on all that great design has and continues to create. A key highlight of the old masters’ narrative paths is a section dedicated solely to the exploration of works by Osvaldo Borsani, along with other important names of historical design. While in contemporary artists, the return of Michael Anastassiades, Flavie Audie, Lola Montes Schnabel, Osanna Visconti, Khaled El Mays and Robinson Ferreux continue the strong relationship with the gallery through a showcase of new creations, as well as other participations like Allegra Hicks, Maarten De Ceulaer, Marco Lavit, Lucia Massari, and Niccolò Spirito.

Apart from these multidisciplinary designers and artists, other collaborations with the gallery also on display are -‘Space Couture’ by Draga & Aurel, the first solo show by Maximilian Marchesani, showcasing lighting design inspired by the Hazel Tree, ‘Noveconi Chandelier’ by Joe Armitage and ‘SIX’ a table design by Gal Gaon.

Occupying the Atrium of Nilufar Depot is a novel project from the FAR series: the site-specific installation 'Poikilos,' signed by Objects of Common Interest and co-curated by Nina Yashar and Valentina Ciuffi. This exhibition explores the concept of light and magic, blending it with materiality. Other creations part of the FAR project, curated by Audrey Large and additional pieces by Hsin Min Chan. Last but certainly not least, Nilufar debuts for the first time with an open edition range of furnishings from key categories, a new and unexplored venture into its own interpretation of the future of design, breaking geographical bonds and exploring new ways of expression, owing to the vision of Nina Yashar and projects of contemporary designers.

Flavie Audie presents Neo Spaces

On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2023, Flavie Audi presents ‘Neo Scapes.' “The works are hovering between digital and hand processes. The steps involve a host of hugely talented workshop collaborators who help bring my vision into shape, through a collective endeavour of trial and accident until the desired effects are achieved,” shares Audi. The designer constantly strives to channel the mystery and supernatural element of our cosmic existence with enchantment, with the spiritual quest for invisible realities, the longing for the divine, and the phenomenological experience of an ecstatic experience guiding her: “My sculptures are the exploration of the alchemical transformation of elements, of the mythical borderline between material and spiritual, between visible and invisible,” she affirms. Through ‘Neo Scapes,’ Audi aims to cultivate the mysterious origins of existence that connect us together.

When Body Becomes an Exotic Vessel: a project by Hsin Min Chan

A little more than three years after the outbreak of the pandemic, Nilufar chooses to raise issues of the recent past by showcasing the work of Taiwanese artist Hsin Min Chan—as part of the FAR program, curated by Valentina Ciuffi of Studio Vedèt. Hsin Min Chan, in fact, painted this series of paintings following an experience of forced detention in a hospital facility in Taiwan, her home country. Not simply imprisoned, but also guarded by a 24-hour camera (albeit in full health), the artist used the stage provided by the mechanical eye that was pointed at her, to stage acts of hysteria—violent and extreme performances—that convinced the prison authorities to release her earlier than planned.

The Lotus Series by Khaled El Mays

Khaled El Mays presents 'The Lotus Series,' an exploration of the flower’s multiform architectural expression. The aim was to investigate how one can create works influenced by those original shapes, while remaining grounded in the present and projected into the future, instead of being a mere exercise of nostalgia. The studio thus started testing many ideas, until El Mays’ attention was directed to the lotus flower and its precedence and abstraction in ancient Egypt’s architectural orders and murals. From then on, the project found a neater focus, directed at reformulating the lotus in a way that deforms its shapes into what appears to be wings. 'The Lotus Series' presented at the design event showcases an array of several colourful marbles from around the world, featuring interesting textures reminiscent of a period in design where visuals were richer and more elaborate.

Lucia Massari presents Toppings

On occasion of the anticipated Design Week, Lucia Massari presents ‘Toppings,’ an extravagant and cheerful collection of lamp designs, inspired by the creamy frosting topped on confectionery food items. Crafted using a combination of tinted Venetian mirrored glass and decorative glass curls and pins, the lamps bear a striking resemblance to candy paper, covered with coloured buttercream. “Layers of food piled upon each other are an appealing and tasteful visual experience. With its texture reminiscent of candies or cream, the glass can be layered on top of Venetian glass as a decorative ornament,” states Lucia Massari. The ensemble has been realised in collaboration with Barbini Specchi Veneziani, a renowned Italian mirror brand.

The Stained Glass Lights by Maarten De Ceulaer

Maarten De Ceulaer presents ‘The Stained Glass Lights.’ This collection revolves around highly colourful, handmade, mouth-blown glass sheets or cylinders, whose patterns can be influenced during the production process, but never fully controlled, making every piece truly unique. These vibrant lamps can convey a wide range of moods and emotions; with the possibilities of expression being endless. It is rare to see this type of glass on big surfaces, as stained-glass studios usually cut it up in small pieces to reassemble them in stained-glass windows or Tiffany-like lamps. By creating meticulously crafted lighting pieces honouring this material, De Ceulaer does the opposite: “These radiating three-dimensional abstract paintings will add a splash of colour and energy to your interior,” states the designer. The lampshades are supported by a blackened stainless steel structure and a base made of various complementing marbles and stones.

Libra by Atelier Lavit

Atelier Lavit presents ‘LIBRA'—a steel table and its bench. With these pieces, Marco Lavit’s search for the minimum, for the essential gesture, passes through the study, experimentation, and understanding of the material itself. The essence of 'LIBRA? is the multiple bending of the sheet metal that gives the steel sheet a double rib. This expression becomes the spine of the table as well as the bench. As thin as a wing, the profiled top, levitates in balance on the hoops, firmly stationed on the ground, as if to defy gravity. The top and the two support elements on the ground transcribe in their sculptural result a series of calendering, bending and finally welding of the metal sheet, always kept to a minimum. A minimalist, yet efficient collection, belonging to our times.

Fontana Amorosa by Michael Anastassiades

Michael Anastassiades presents ‘Fontana Amorosa - New Editions'—the latest addition to the Fontana Amorosa collection—a series of imaginative fountains that were first introduced through Nilufar Gallery, in 2017. Inspired by fountains from around the world and antiquity, these new designs feature jet trajectories that support glowing spheres, creating structured arrangements of chandeliers. The name 'Fontana Amorosa' pays homage to Anastassiade's roots: the legendary spring in northwest Cyprus where the goddess Aphrodite was said to retreat, drink its waters and preserve her youth and beauty. More than just a source of light, these pieces serve as gathering places for socialising, romance, and introspection.

Poikilos: a show by Object of Common Interest

The exhibition, curated by Studio Vedèt, that will inhabit the giant atrium of Nilufar Depot also has, in its own way, Greek origins. In fact, the show arises out of the continuous and fruitful movements of the designers—Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis. Based in New York, since 2016, the duo also maintains an active studio (and now a large workshop) in Athens; with the fascinating story of the iridescent creatures featured in April’s solo show taking place between the Big Apple and the Greek capital. From the rare and simple beauty of this tale comes the exhibition 'Poikilos,' animated by objects that owe their iridescent movement to a 'recipe' devised by Ovidiu and secretly handed down to Objects of Common Interest.

Bamboo Room by Osanna Visconti

Osanna Visconti presents ‘Bamboo Room’—a series of unique pieces in bamboo, entirely manufactured by hand, using the lost-wax casting technique. When Nina Yashar invited the designer to work on this project, she was a bit hesitant. However, her enthusiasm grew stronger as she chose to put together several meaningful creations. Today, she applauds her collaboration with Nilufar Gallery as follows: “Nina is a courageous Visionaire allowing a creative craft-woman to fulfil her dreams.” Immersed in the eccentric atmosphere of Nilufar Depot, this installation seems to draw its inspiration from a magnificent bamboo forest in a Venetian Garden by landscape architect Russell Page, experienced by Visconti many years ago.

DELTA117 lamp by Robinson Ferreux

“It’s a visual thing!” This is how Robinson Ferreux welcomes Nilufar Gallery’s exhibit, this year, at the design fair. With the brand new DELTA117 lamp, his intent was to evoke equilibrium, with simplicity and straightforward forms, but also reflect on the fact that objects can suggest some underground mathematical signs. Whilst observing these luminescent objects, multiple references to the esoteric, the symbolic, ancient Egypt and outer space exploration, will be spotted by the observer. Elements of Myazaki’s world, of totems and sacred objects are also recalled. All of this merges into the word ‘DELTA.’

Vikram Goyal

Vikram Goyal is driven by a creative inquiry—unearthing immersive experiences through inventive, yet deliberate forms. A dual approach to materiality defines his conceptual take on design, which is rooted in reviving local craftsmanship and artistry while also experimenting with sculptural abstraction. The New Delhi-based Indian designer honours his debut collaboration with Nilufar Gallery on the occasion of the Milan Design Week 2023, while presenting several pieces: Archimedes’ Twist (console), Braque’s Geometry (wall sconce), Thar (modern bar cabinet), Ophidian (cabinet), Borobudur ( architectural table) and Geodesic (multi-faceted tables).

STIR’s coverage of Milan Design Week 2023 showcases the best exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands, and special projects to look out for. Explore Euroluce 2023 and all the design districts—5Vie Art and Design, Brera Design District, Fuorisalone, Isola Design District, Tortona District, and Milano Design District—with us.

Text by Ria Jha.