Draga & Aurel x Nilufar Gallery revive artistic experimentation of the 1970s

Set up in 2007 by Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, Draga & Aurel is a multidisciplinary studio and workshop for art, collectible design, and furnishing items. Armed with a diversified background in art, fashion, and craftsmanship, Draga & Aurel are widely known for combining original methods with an artistic approach, to materials and composition. Their 2009 debut at Milan Design Week marked the beginning of significant partnerships with furniture companies, the first of which were Baxter and Wall&Deco, followed by others, over the years, including Visionnaire and Gallotti&Radice. In 2019, the couple staggered the crowds at Milan Design Week with a new personal project: the 'Transparency Matters' collection, which explored the use and significance of transparency in art and design. It was acclaimed by the press and sparked the interest of prestigious galleries, such as the Rossana Orlandi and Nilufar Gallery. For the second consecutive year, Draga & Aurel will be presenting a special project for Nilufar Gallery, one of Milan’s most prestigious art and design galleries. Space Couture, a bright and dazzling furniture collection with vivid colours and reflective glossiness will be on display at the Nilufar 25 space, no. 32 Via della Spiga.

Their design production stands alongside the artist output of Aurel K. Basedow, comprising powerful, evocative, and poetic works. At Draga & Aurel, art and design follow two parallel and complementary paths, in a continuous exchange that strengthens and sometimes inverts their meanings. Inspiration has once again been drawn from the design and artistic experimentation of the 1970s—a period of rupture, fusion, and much creativity. Draga & Aurel have allowed themselves to be engulfed by the 'optical tricks' of Opt art_Jeff Koons’ controversial play on blowup works, and inflatable objects such as the iconic Blow armchair by De Pas, D'Urbino, and Lomazzi.

The result is a capsule of furniture that almost transcends time, and a fun and carefree atmosphere that glorifies a playfully casual and lighthearted way of life, symbolised by the premiering Sabot armchair. Shiny and reflective, coated in laminates and glossy varnish, this piece is emblematic of a collection that extols a zest for living.

“In this age of darkness, we need to be lighthearted, carefree, and ‘sparkling.’ With our new project for Nilufar, we want to impart these positive, luminous vibes,” share Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow.

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.