The Inside Track, Connecting the Indian design community To be held in Paris January (17-21) 2020, Maison&Objet has announced Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiadesm as its Designer of the Year.
Maison&Objet is the global influencer for home decor, interior design, architecture and trends, amassing a huge following through its shows, events and digital platform. Inspired by its 2020 theme (RE) GENERATION!, the trade show will analyse the consumer habits of the new generation and their impact on the lifestyle sector.
Besides the other amazing design, products, trends, talks and events to look forward to at the fair, we would like to acquaint our readers with Michael Anastassiades and his work, philosophies, design, etc.
When Michael Anastassiades created his stunning lighting brand in 2007, the first fair at which he launched his new designs was Maison&Objet. Now, most fittingly, he is coming back as Designer of the Year.
In the twelve year interim, he has become one of the most expressive and inventive lighting designers in the world today. In his work, the Cyprus native employs simple shapes and volumes, like a sphere, a line, a circle, to create a deep texture where uncertainty and imbalance are welcomed.
The illusionary quality and clarity of his designs is a labour of love, which is not something to come by easily. In his eyes, designers are there to build relationships and interactions between people and objects.
How do you see your role as a designer?
I am constantly questioning my role as a designer, always asking myself if what I am doing is relevant. Is my contribution to design really positive? Am I developing a new idea? I notice a lack of originality. A lot of copying. For me, it is important to always show something different, make sure that what I design explores a new idea, uses new technology in a poetic way.
I try to approach the practice with generosity and with an awareness of what came before. Lighting is my passion but I don’t feel limited in what I do as a designer, so I am happy to be surprised and have the opportunity of designing different things.
“Things that go together” is the retrospective you had this year in Cyprus, showcasing the work you did in the last 12 years.
What was it like to present your design process through your collection of objects and finished works?
Every time you start a new project you are faced with the anxiety of a blank page, that this time around you will learn from the time before and what you will draw, will most probably be better. It is obvious to think that practice and knowledge are part of an evolving process and that placing your work in a chronological sequence would reveal this process clearly. It is only when you place every-thing randomly that you understand that the creative act extends beyond evolution and that instinct and spontaneity can surpass knowledge.
Maison&Objet was the first fair at which Michael Anastassiades showcased his work. It was a poignant time for him and an opportunity for him to stream line and develop the ‘personality’ of his brand. This January he wants to offer an experience. For the very first time, all sixteen of his mobile chandeliers will be showcased together – in a dark space, the lights, propelled by motors, will move like planets. Once more, Anastassiades wants to explore the qualities and conditions of darkness and light.
Contact
Maison&Objet
Raj Anand & Associates
4 6 / 2 , S i n d h i S o c i e t y ,
Chembur, Mumbai 400071
Email: raj@rajanandassociates.com
web: www.maison-objet.com
Tel: +91-22-25224081
Cell:+91-9833685256
