Designed by AOAO, an interdisciplinary studio in Amsterdam founded by Alicja Stryzynska and Onur Iseri, Wonder Things is a series of sculptural illuminated fixtures that are designed to evoke introspection and self-reflection. The collection, which currently consists of two pieces, is inspired by traditional Japanese concepts: ikigai and bosei.
The larger piece in the collection is Bosei, which translates to “motherhood.” AOAO wanted to create an object that represents both protection and comfort, so they designed a shape that looks and feels different from both sides to represent these two qualities of motherhood. Also made with gypsum, the walls of the lamp are reinforced with metal mesh and fiberglass to support the cutouts in the lamp. The outer shell seems quite monolithic and sturdy, symbolizing protection, while the interior of the lamp glows with golden orange tones, creating a sense of comfort and calm.
The Japanese concept of Ikigai roughly translates to “life’s purpose,” which serves as inspiration for the lamp. AOAO wanted to design a contemporary piece to represent this philosophy of well-being so they created a unique form made from gypsum that reveals an inner light. This light spreads throughout the object, illuminating the multi-toned surfaces differently from different angles. The concept is a physical metaphor that our own inner light, our true life’s purpose, can be deeply concealed.
To learn more about Bosei and Ikigai, visit aoao.nl.
Source: design-milk