Renowned design studio Draga & Aurel continues to redefine the boundaries of art and furniture with their latest collection unveiled at Design Miami. Through a captivating collaboration with Todd Merrill Studio, Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow present a new series of pieces that bring light, color, and transparency to the forefront of design. The collection includes Ribbon Pendant Lamps, a Flare Dining Table, and a Flare Cabinet, all of which showcase the duo’s mastery in merging innovative design with artistic expression.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designers: Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow
Event: Design Miami
Photography: Federica Lissoni
Collaborator: Todd Merrill Studio
Material: Lucite
The Ribbon Pendant Lamps are a testament to Draga & Aurel’s fascination with light refraction, featuring a graceful ribbon of acrylic resin draped over an LED-lit capsule. Neon colors and opaline inserts are suspended within the Lucite, creating a visual spectacle akin to observing laser beams frozen in time. The lamp’s transparent construction allows for a dynamic interaction with light and color, offering a unique experience that shifts with the viewer’s perspective. This transformative quality elevates the lamps beyond their practical purpose, positioning them as captivating art pieces within a space.
Expanding the Flare series, the Flare Dining Table emerges as a bold centerpiece inspired by the works of artists Jiyong Lee and Vasa Mihich. The table employs layered colored Lucite sheets to produce a mesmerizing play of light and color that mirrors the artistic mastery of its influences. The geometric angles of the table enhance this effect, trapping bursts of color within transparent boundaries. The result is a striking design that transcends the conventional function of a dining table, instead offering an immersive artistic experience.
Completing the collection is the Flare Cabinet, a piece that transforms a simple storage solution into an object of visual wonder. The cabinet features a rounded metal frame that contrasts beautifully with its transparent Lucite doors, which are crafted from layers of various shapes and thicknesses. This assembly creates a mesmerizing interplay of light reflections, capturing the viewer’s attention as the cabinet bends and refracts light in its environment. Transparent, colorless legs elevate the cabinet off the ground, imparting a feeling of weightlessness despite its substantial size.
Through this collection, Draga & Aurel capture the ephemeral nature of light and color, effectively immortalizing these elements within their furniture. Each piece invites viewers to witness light in a new dimension, emphasizing its fluidity and dependence on perspective. The careful balance of design, artistic inspiration, and craftsmanship evident in these creations speaks to the studio’s dedication to advancing the narrative of decorative arts. With their team of master artisans from Lake Como, Draga & Aurel continue to craft pieces that challenge our perceptions and invite us to explore the beauty of light.
As always, the latest collection by Draga & Aurel reflects their commitment to blending art with functionality, producing designs that are not only functional but also serve as artistic statements. The studio’s ability to transform Lucite into a medium of storytelling is unmatched, and this collection affirms their position as innovators in the realm of design and decorative arts. For further insights into Draga & Aurel’s creations, interested individuals can visit their official website or explore offerings at Todd Merrill Studio.
