Sibling Lamp by Frederik Delbart

Gathering Belgium’s burgeoning creative front under one roof, last month’s Nationa(a)l gallery – held at Brussels’ iconic Solvay factory from 9 to 25 May – featured the work of both established and up-and-coming talents. Among a slew of fashion vitrines, culinary experiences, music and cinema programming, a special design showcase served as both an exhibition and market place.

Representing Kortrijk-based Per/Use – an innovative design brand, vying to bridge the gap between customer and producer – Frederik Delbart revealed the latest iteration of his Siblings Lamp. TLmag spoke to the celebrated designer about his new creation, the value of pure material and his perspective on Belgian design.

Adrian Madlener: What is the concept behind the Siblings Lamp?

Frederik Delbart: The name Siblings came from the idea of combining two separate parts – a glass mono-structure with a wooden stem. The portable lampshade takes-on different characteristics when moved around. Originally developed as my thesis from la Cambre, Siblings is now being produced by Per/Use.

AM: How did you choose the right materials?

FD: Though now working with LED and OLED technology, I wanted to return to the poetry created by incandescent light-bulbs. The Sibling is able to diffuse light but also contain it, in what appears to be a dissolving shell. Leaving their comfort zone, the technicians, we worked with, employed an extra strong moulding process, using medical-grade glass – fusing the lampshade and conjoined handle together. I love pure materials – glass and metal – but like to push them to new limits.

AM: How were you selected to take part in Nationa(a)l, what are your thoughts on this platform and the role of Belgian design?

FD: Originally launched in Milan, Siblings was selected to debut at Nationa(a)l. Its interesting to be in Brussels at this time of year – when there aren’t really any big exhibitions or events. Sometimes country-based exhibitions can fall into cliches or become too patriotic. Instead, Nationa(a)l keeps a certain cross-disciplinary quality.

Though the name says it all, this pop-up exhibition cum store shows the diversity of Belgian creativity. In general, I’m not so fond of the international market – where our country hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. Belgian design is characterized by a very different approach – combining rational and emotional reasoning, while making clear decisions, between democratic outcomes or exclusive gallery-based work. We don’t really have a scene – like the Dutch, French or Scandinavians – but instead, we keep our feet on the ground and don’t dream too much.