A thought-provoking art exhibition that encourages the viewers to slow down.
Named “Slow Motion”, the new New York solo exhibition of Dutch artist and designer Aldo Bakker is more than it seems at first sight. The show brings together much of the artist’s latest work and focuses on sculptures that at a glance resemble furniture or home accessories. Organic and sensual as well as unusual and fascinating, the sculptures welcome art fans into a magical space. The designs offer artistic takes on classic furniture items and everyday objects, but they have their own identity and purpose.
Beyond its captivating aesthetic and playful characters, the show puts an emphasis on mindfulness. The artist develops his artworks over a long period of time, allowing the designs to come through naturally. The crafting process is also slow and deliberate, bringing a meditative state to mind. For example, the 4prts stool has a bright red color created with up to 30 layers of Japanese Urushi lacquer.
The sculptures create a dialogue with each other, guiding the viewer to contemplate the way they interact with one another and with the gallery space. Rounded forms and monolithic objects resemble ubiquitous items, evoking familiarity, but in a dreamlike setting. Opened on April 26 at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Slow Motion had June 22 as an initial closing date. However, art lovers can still see the show as the gallery has extended the exhibition until August 23, 2019. Photographs©: Aldo Bakker.