Dunja Jankovic and Studio Furthermore find their cosmic vision with 'Signals'

Signals is a conversive exhibition by Barcelona-based artist Dunja Jankovic and British practice Studio Furthermore that delves into the interplay of materiality, process, and scale, as it juxtaposes porcelain foam vessels and light sculptures against the backdrop of large-scale graphic artworks. The exhibition is a conceptual collection of fragments from distant worlds and timelines, representing humanity's evolving and eternal connection with the cosmos. As a result, this exhibition creates a bridge between the past and the future, the earthly and the celestial, and the realms of science and mythology. Jankovic’s large format screen prints evoke ancient astrological temples and ziggurats, which coexist with the textures and forms of organic cosmic matter represented by Furthermore’s objects.

This exhibition showcases the artistic insight of Dunja Jankovic - an interdisciplinary artist known for her dynamic abstract creations and illusionistic artworks born from a meticulous study of repetition, modulation, and patterns. Jankovic emulates visual glitches not with the intention to deceive the eye but to articulate the multifaceted realm of visual noise. Her use of abstract elements, such as organic shapes and tubes, evokes a range of associations, resonating deeply with viewers. A testament to her finesse, her large screen prints in this exhibition resemble ancient skyward altars, reminiscent of human attempts to connect with the mysteries of the cosmos, adorned with electric colours and the granulation of signals from epochs ago.

Parallelly, Studio Furthermore, led by Marina Dragomirova and Iain Howlett, explores the fusion of art and science through hands-on experimentation and research into natural processes. They transform material possibilities into tangible objects, including furniture and lighting made from aluminium and ceramics, using unique casting methods and sponge recipes. In this exhibition, Studio Furthermore's porcelain foam vessels and light sculptures appear as if they were gathered from outer space. These creations, the result of advanced material research and ceramic development, mimic celestial bodies and the organic forms of deteriorating matter with craters and undulations, illuminated softly with gradient tones. They represent the mystical phenomena, those observed from Earth for centuries, punctuating the exhibition space as satellites set against Jankovic's printed monuments.

"Signals" presents new works from both studios, and engages in a dialogue that explores the various perspectives, viewpoints, and narratives surrounding humanity's enduring fascination with space and the mysteries of the universe. Curated by gallery Kravitz Contemporary in collaboration with the design platform Fels, the exhibition has been hosted as part of the London Design Festival 2023, and will remain on view till October 01, 2023..

(Text by Aatmi Chitalia, Intern at STIR)

London Design Festival is back! In its 21st edition, the faceted fair adorns London with installations, exhibitions, and talks from major design districts including Shoreditch Design Triangle, Greenwich Peninsula, Brompton, Design London, Clerkenwell Design Trail, Mayfair, Bankside, King's Cross, and more. Click here to explore STIR’s highlights from the London Design Festival 2023.