Studio Kuhlmann interweaves surreal and industrial aesthetics in ‘Lucid Dreams’

In her debut solo exhibition, now unfolding in the gallery space of St. Vincents’ in Antwerp, Belgium, German welder and designer Hannah Kuhlmann is chasing the elusive balance between perception and reality. Dubbed Lucid Dreams, the design exhibition presents Studio Kuhlmann’s latest handcrafted creations that exude the allure of metal and the softness of fabric in tandem; the show is conceived as a homage to the warm refuge of a midday nap—a transient escape from the mundane bustle. Platforming surreal encounters within dreamscapes, the exhibition is on view until May 18, 2024. “The title Lucid Dreams embodies the idea of being fully present within the dream world. It's an invitation to step into a space where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred, allowing for a journey of introspection and discovery. It invites viewers to explore the exhibition as they would a dream, where the familiar becomes fantastical, and the ordinary takes on new meaning,” says Kuhlmann.

Based in Cologne, Germany, Kuhlmann is an interdisciplinary designer who founded her eponymous practice in 2017. Her bespoke and limited-edition objects yield from an investigation of sculptural form, and the amalgamation of functional design and conceptual art. The German designer is known for her tubular stainless steel light fixtures and objects—each representing an organic evolution. Elucidating the concept behind her newest product designs, Kuhlmann tells STIR, "In this collection, I aim to create more than just decor. Each piece becomes akin to a creature, a unique entity that transforms from a lifeless object into a vibrant presence in our homes. They are not just items; they become roommates, inviting personalisation and a sense of companionship.”

The exhibition space of the boutique gallery—dedicated to contemporary design and applied arts—morphs into an ethereal setting, owing to the scenography. The objects inhabiting the dream-like milieu conceal intricacies much like the encounters in dreams while the cascading fabrics shroud metal akin to illusion shrouding reality. The entire exhibition design is contrived through the lens of napping—delving into the notions surrounding dreaming and the captivating vastness of the human psyche. “I wanted to capture the essence of those moments of heightened awareness within our subconscious. The title speaks to the surreal experience of being both asleep and awake, where the mind wanders freely and perceptions shift,” the designer explains.

The alluring furniture designs that come to the fore in Lucid Dreams build upon Kuhlmann’s earlier works. Clad in a heavy cotton dress and embellished ribbons, the Pillow Queen loveseat is evocative of childhood fairytales—inviting the users in its warm embrace. Bedbug daybed, flaunting six ties for each foot, conforms to a similar language, crafted from stainless steel tubes and upholstered with a mix of sheep wool, coconut and a complete sheet of geese feathers covered in grey vintage leather. The Power Napper sideboard, in addition to the metal and fabric, is adorned with healing stones such as rock crystals and blue quartz—nurturing peaceful sleep. The ensemble of industrial aesthetics is completed with a series of lighting designs that draw inspiration from the appearance of flowers (Thulip, Lady Glove, Lily of the Valley and Crocus) and the hues of the sunrise (Sun).

Collaborating with fellow artists and artisans has always been intrinsic to Kuhlmann’s creative process. For her solo show, she worked with an all-women team, particularly for welding, an otherwise male-dominated field. Ample time and effort was provided to polish the stainless steel, one of the hardest and most resilient metals. “This also raised questions about reproducibility, as it became clearer than ever that one’s own strength is limited, limiting the objects’ potential for long-term durability,” the product designer expands. As for the upholstery, Kuhlmann envisioned it as the objects adorned in fashionable attire rather than traditional upholstery. In cahoots with Holle Schlickmann, a costume designer known for her work in film, the team created bespoke dresses for each object. Lisa Scherebnenko, a trained goldsmith renowned for her experimental approach to precious materials, comes on board to bring the jewel-like details in the lighting fixtures to fruition.

Stainless steel, the collection's protagonist, is a relatively young material that revolutionised the industry with its introduction. Through the meticulous process of hand–polishing each piece, they acquire their distinct and unique appearance, a characteristic that would not be achievable through industrial production. For the designer, each creation embodies a fusion of ancient science fiction and low–tech Art Nouveau aesthetics. This approach culminates in an artisanal quality of the stainless steel objects, imbuing them with a character that speaks to the touch of human hands.

Dreams and moments of rest often spark creativity for many—windows to insights that are often subdued in the constant influx of information. In Lucid Dreams, stripped-down structures of steel allude to skeletal forms, the furniture takes on the role of different characters in dreamy narratives, the pendant light recalls the rising sun and the other lighting fixtures bloom into various species of flowers. As the immersive experience unfolds, Kuhlmann lays bare a crucial reminder in today’s fast-paced world: to carve out time for reflection and find comfort within the objects that surround us.

‘Lucid Dreams’ is on view at St. Vincents’ in Antwerp, Belgium, from April 5 to May 18, 2024 .