SENSUAL COUTURE
Grazia Conti Rossini Schifferli & Hermann August Weizenegger
November 2010, Zurich
The two designers could not be more different in their work process, approach and results: Schifferli is emotional (soft-tech), Weizenegger intellectual (high-tech).
What they do have in common, however, is their involvement with material surfaces – originality and value lend a special aura to their everyday objects. The exclusive – the couture – is in their case not elitist, but rather a sign of individuality. Within the given context, “Digital Couture” and “Original Couture” melt into “Sensual Couture”. Haptic structures like porcelain, latex, silk or plywood start to communicate. A dialogue of things evolves that appears sculptural, yet always implies the functionality of everyday objects. The similarities as well as the contrasts result in an exciting whole, the main characteristic of which is a couture of sensuality.
GRAZIA CONTI ROSSINI SCHIFFERLI, ZURICH
A bowl is not only a bowl after all. It is the center of the perpetual interpretation in Grazia Conti Rossini Schifferli’s formal language. The involvement with the archaic object is a constant source of fascination for her. Her modifications of an archetype lead to ever-new aspects of the formal idea and emphasize the characteristics of the material. The intense working on the surface of the objects – be it with her self-made glazes or with a diamond sponge – creates visual as well as haptic highlights. The unica represent an Haute Couture of porcelain art that expresses the delicacy and exquisite impression in ever-new facets.
Grazia Conti Rossini Schifferli was born in Brissago, Switzerland, in 1956.
From 1972 to 1977 she attended the Ecole des Arts Appliquées in Vevey, Switzerland.
She lives and works in Zurich.
HERMANN AUGUST WEIZENEGGER, BERLIN
Under the term of “Digital Couture”, Hermann August Weizenegger shows the alliance of a high-tech method with traditional handiwork – rapid prototyping and woodturning. The design principle of layering and rotation is the common basis of all objects. The initial design sculpture assumes the inspiring role of the muse, from the design structure of which new shapes and objects develop in continuous permutation.
Hermann August Weizenegger was born in Kempten/Allgäu, Germany, in 1963.
He studied Industrial Design at the Hdk-Berlin (Berlin University of the Arts). Until the end of 2008, Hermann August Weizenegger led the renowned design studio “Vogt+Weizenegger“, Berlin, together with Oliver Vogt.
Their works were decorated with various design prizes and awards: Roter Punkt, Essen 2002 and 2008, Interzum Award Cologne 2007, IF Prize Hannover 2001, Form 2000 Frankfurt and many more. Since 2009, Weizenegger leads his own design studio in Berlin.
