Futur Archaïque at CID Grand-Hornu

Opening the year – as Mons becomes European Capital 2015 – the newly established CID – Center of Innovation & Design mounts “Futur Archaïque”. With theme “When technology meets culture”, this exhibition was curated by Yves Mirande in collaboration with Marie Pok and Chantal Prod’Hom, as well as design duo Formafantasma. The idea was to present the link that currently exist between the future – whether as immediate as 3D printing – and the past: the archaic – back to basics. Archaic translates in Greek as “beginning” – craft and primitive techniques. This latest showcase seeks to reconcile the two; revealing how many contemporary designers no longer out address a 100% functional future. Instead, they give objects soul. This exhibtion also sheds sociological light on the emerging but essential desire to reconnect with our roots.

Ami Drach & Dov Ganchrow – BC-AD White series – Craved stones adjusted in 3D printing parts.

Futur Archaïque employ a bespoke scenography – where a poetic line combines all objects on display. The presence of natural elements can be found at every corner. The exhibition includes work created out of burned wood – adding a noble treatment.  Around the central axis, different rooms account for different experiences and play with the senses. Indeed, visitors can see, feel and hear different sensations through the displayed objects.

Formafantasma – Charcoal – Glass and charcoal

The exhibition includes works by designers and firms including Formafantasma, Ami Drach & Dov Ganchrow, Andrea Branzi, DWA (Alberto Artesani, Frederik De Wachter) & Alessandro Costariol, Peugeot Design Lab and many others. Curator Yves Mirande based his selection on their approaches, use of forms, materials and techniques.

Exhibition views from ‘Oltre Dove’ by DWA.

” If I had to choose a work form the exhibition, I would choose all ‘Oltre Dove’ by DWA. In this small room, space and time are scrambled. It with the idea of the future of archeology that imagination can carry us and push us to tell a unique story. It is at the crossroads of the past and future, that imagination is in controls. ” – Marie Pok, director of the CID

Exhibition view.

The Grand-Hornu site allows for a perfect acoustic for the exhibition, forging a better dialogue between different objects. Stay tuned to discover TLmag’s bespoke video coverage.

“Futur Archaïque” at CID in Grand-Hornu runs until 19 April 2015.