Sculptural illuminance: Kelly Wearstler's bold and brutalist 'Lotura' collection

Brutalism, with its raw honesty and unapologetic celebration of materiality, has strongly influenced the realms of architecture and design. Beyond its trademark of exposed concrete, brutalism prioritises structural integrity over ornamentation, giving spaces and objects a bold yet unembellished presence. In product design, especially lighting, this aesthetic is finding renewed expression, manifesting as pieces that are as much sculpture as they are functional. American designer Kelly Wearstler's Lotura collection exemplifies this shift, reinterpreting brutalist principles in lighting design.

Known for her boundary-pushing design language and aesthetic, Wearstler brings the essence of industrial design into her new collection by crafting fixtures blending structural metalwork with refined elegance. Characterised by intersecting metal planes, these luminaires blur the line between functional lighting and sculptural art. The Lotura fixtures exude confidence and elegance, making them striking additions to contemporary residential interiors and commercial environments.

"There is something timeless and universal about brutalism; its architecture and influence now span decades and can be found across the globe," the interior designer explains. This ideology of enduring design resonates throughout the Lotura collection, where each piece embraces structural integrity and reflects an evolving understanding of how raw materials can evoke emotional responses.

One of the most striking aspects of the collection is how the rounded metal planes of its fixtures traverse and intersect, offering the illusion of a singular, uniformly cast light sculpture. This subtle merging of surfaces makes each piece feel cohesive, as if carved from a single block of metal. Each product is meticulously crafted where every angle and curve maintain an illusion of seamlessness, drawing the viewer's attention to the purity of form.

This interplay of form is complemented by the internal lighting, which remains concealed within the structure. Recessed light sources emit a multidirectional glow, softly washing both upward and downward. The result is a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enriching the surrounding space without overwhelming it. The lighting effect enhances the architectural feel of each piece, creating depth, mood and texture within any environment.

Lotura includes a variety of fixtures designed to suit different needs and spaces. The collection's pendant light, floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces are available in three finishes: Museum Black, Museum Gild and Museum White. Through her intricate designs, Wearstler highlights the importance of craftsmanship in creating functional art.

"The pieces are a manifestation of my ongoing interest in the intersection between function and design," the lighting designer explains to STIR. By uniting structural, cast metal forms with softly rounded edges, the Lotura collection caters to both design aficionados and those with an architectural sensibility. Each fixture makes a striking statement individually while contributing to a unified narrative that showcases lighting as both functional and artistic.

The American product designer's mastery of sensory experience is evident in the nuanced lighting of Lotura. The fixtures do more than illuminate—they shape the atmosphere of a room. The concealed lighting interacts with architecture, casting soft shadows and adding dimension to walls and surfaces. Whether installed as a pendant in a dining room or a floor lamp in a living area, the lighting transforms the space, creating a mood that shifts throughout the day and night.

"The Lotura collection underscores the potential of lighting to transcend its practical function and become a work of art," Wearstler notes. This philosophy is evident in every piece, where lighting is treated as an extension of the surrounding architecture. Rather than merely illuminating objects, the fixtures become part of the spatial narrative, contributing to the room's emotional tone.

The collection aligns seamlessly with Wearstler's broader design approach, which consistently challenges conventional ideas of space and form. Whether designing interiors, furniture or lighting, she focuses on creating multi-layered experiences that engage the senses. The lighting's cast metal invites touch, while the subtle lighting enhances focus on both the piece and its surroundings. This combination of structural boldness and delicate illumination reflects the interior designer's ability to balance contrasts, resulting in pieces that feel both commanding and approachable.

Lotura reveals the power of lighting to go beyond utility and become part of a space's narrative. Each fixture reflects Wearstler's ability to elevate everyday objects through a balance of material, craft and light. The collection demonstrates that good design isn't just about function but also about how objects make us feel and connect us to our environment. In a time when design increasingly focuses on experience and emotion, Wearstler's Lotura collection leaves us with a challenge: how can we rethink the everyday objects around us to inspire new ways of living and feeling?