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Natuurmonumenten

Furniture to muse on

Detail Capsule HOUT&MOS — © HOUT&MOS

In 'Nature’s Monuments' HOUT&MOS combines the functionality of furniture with the contemplative capacity of art. Old furniture forms the starting point of the production process in which it is given a new form of existence. Craftsmanship and modern techniques such as laser cutting come together.

Reuse, craft and detail

The objects in the series 'Nature’s Monuments' originate from functional classical furniture but have now become objects for reflection. Leaning on classical aesthetics, contemporary techniques such as laser cutting and LED light, but also traditional craftsmanship and love for the material, come together in the object. Stripped of their functionality as a piece of furniture, they evoke contemplation, amazement and memory.

The 'Nature’s Monuments' are made from old worn or forgotten furniture, leftover pieces of wood and always moss in different types and colours. The reused parts are a starting point and decisive in the production process. 'Nature’s Monuments' are full of details, the pattern of different types of wood, the thinly planed wood through which light shines, motifs carved from wood and prepared moss that forms a miniature landscape inside the objects.

Musing and responsibility

The series 'Nature’s Monuments' evokes classic themes such as the romanticisation of the landscape and nature. Their seductive shapes and details make you ponder. Can we still look at nature in an aesthetic way? Shouldn’t we deal with materials and objects better? Can consciousness and aesthetics go together, can they reinforce each other? Without moralising, 'Nature’s Monuments' subtly make you wonder and think about responsibility.

About HOUT&MOS

Michiel de Jong works as an artist, a designer and a furnituremaker from his studio in Broedplaats Contact, Amsterdam.
Capsule HOUT&MOS — © HOUT&MOS
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