Synthesis by OS Δ OOS

Eindhoven-base trailblazer OS Δ OOS mounts Synthesis at Zurich gallery Roehrs & Boetsch. On view till 2 July, this first solo show reveals highlights from the Dutch design duo’s oeuvre – works that have informed each other and others derived from fresh points of inspiration. Particular pieces were developed specifically for the exhibition. Since founding their collaborative practice five years ago, Oskar Peet and Sophie Mensen have solidified their ‘objects derived from concept, rationalised by purpose’ ethos in a series of delicately-crafted design. Transcending the confines of art, purely-formed lighting, furniture and spatial elements result from deep investigations and the ingenious recalibration of function through material. As much as art equates industry, form communicates concept. Many works address the sublime conditions of day, night, light and shadow.

Before other designers addressed the them, Syzygy series was the first design to explore the formal qualities of celestial bodies in gravitational movement. Expressed as both clocks and wall lamps, layered lens interact to provide different nuanced gradients of darkness. In similiar effect, New Perspective engages the primal act of perception. Through different intensities of overlapped layers – mitigating light – transient objects are rendered in contoured volumes. Responding to increasing superlative demands – multipurpose materials – Mono-lights are stripped-back and flexible alternative to the standard overhead fluorescent. Such an exploration follows through the geometric Primary Flouresents. The softness of lighting tubes is anchored and even constrained in physically and metaphorically ‘hard’ composites. Arc Bench plays a similar game: turning a heavy stone alternative malleable and curvaceous. Like many of the pieces on view, the show’s title was carefully chosen for the most effective meaning. ‘Synthesis’ describes how different elements can come together in a form of cohesion – OS Δ OOS‘s varied projects linked through an unfettered apporach. Synthesis is also defined as the ability to combine colour, light, form, concept and function; for which, the duo achieves so well.

Synthesis: till 2 July
Roehrs & Boetsch: Bachstrasse 9, Zürich