Designing the SurfaceDesigning the Surface

The Faux Series is the result of research by _Designing the Surface _curator Chris Kabel into the finish of objects, inspired by current developments in photography, where traditional photographic print is becoming more and more object-like and three-dimensional.

The Faux Series is one of the outcomes of a Material Fellowship, awarded by Het Nieuwe Instituut in 2015, for which Kabel carried out extensive research into the 'material-ness' of the surface. It features a collection of small boxes whose surface and shape play an intricate and deceitful game. Photos are wrapped around boxes using a process called water transfer printing. The shapes of the boxes counter or coincide with the photos made by photographer Mathijs Labadie. Shiny spots and textures appear to be prints, shadows and reflections are misaligned with shape, and on close inspection materials prove to be nothing more than thin layers of water transfer film.

Materials: Printed polyamide, 8 - 15 / 10 - 30 / 4 - 8 cm.