In their latest exhibition, Formation, hosted by Friedman Benda in New York, Formafantasma presents a quietly radical vision that intertwines furniture design, domestic narratives, and subtle historical reverberations.
Known for their sophisticated explorations into the socio-political and ecological dimensions of contemporary design, Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin now turn to the domestic sphere, drawing attention to the foundational structures of furniture archetypes.
Using Cherry wood as their primary medium, Formafantasma constructs pieces from the elemental cabinetmaking plank, engaging in a deliberate dialogue between tradition and modernity. This interplay is anchored by the studio’s admiration for the Shaker community, Frank Lloyd Wright, and George Nakashima. The Shakers' disciplined elegance resonates clearly in Formation's spare forms, while Wright’s seamless fusion of technology and craft and Nakashima’s organic reverence for wood find expression in the collection's integration of warm timber with brushed aluminum—reminiscent of contemporary digital devices.
Textiles emerge prominently in the collection as more than decorative accessories; they embody an homage to the historically marginalized labor of women within domestic spaces. Formafantasma’s thoughtful attention to textiles, with their subtle and poetic references, underscores the overlooked craftsmanship and emotional resonance that these elements bring to daily living. The designers’ explicit choice of white textiles evokes the quiet grace of everyday domestic tasks such as table setting, emphasizing their broader mission to reclaim and elevate these silent narratives.
Avoiding spectacle, Formation cultivates a reflective environment, emphasizing the nuanced relationships between objects, spaces, and human interaction. Through carefully articulated details and materials, Formafantasma captures the evolving nature of domestic artifacts, shaped equally by tradition and technological advancement. Rather than merely echoing past designs or dismissing historical context, the studio seeks to expand and enrich these legacies, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with the familiar objects that structure our lives.
