“Material I” is the first in a series of exhibitions and actions focused on materials. It sheds light on how Estonian universities, companies, and creative practices today address material issues.

 

In an abundant material world, understanding the origin of materials and objects is becoming increasingly difficult. When preparing the exhibition, we wondered, among other things, how many people today know from where exactly and how do consumables like smart phones, socks and pastry make it to the store counters.

 

While previously people knew where things come from and how to create materials from the necessary substances, now material has become more anonymous and the story of origin is becoming increasingly distant for the user. Yet we all play an important role in the production of materials, as creators and implementers, but mainly as end-users. The selection of available materials is varied – even with a simple action of getting a loaf of bread from the store, we come in contact with hundreds of substances.  

 

Next to the industrial approach a new, design-focused method is being applied. Materials are democratizing and moving out from the laboratory environment. At first glance, the work of designers, companies and scientists placed side by side cannot be distinguished, and it is important from the aspect of this exhibition because in the future the scientist and designer will work in one team, both developing the material and the final function. 

 

The main commonality of the projects and researches presented is the environmentally-minded approach. We consider materials from the point of view of structure, on an experiential level, on a process-based manner, as means, as a piece of art. What could be the material of the future? Or what is the future of materials? 

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Year: 2019

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Credits

Concept, development and curating: 

Stuudio Aine (Annika Kaldoja, Kärt Ojavee and Marie Vinter)

Space design: Andrea Tamm

Graphic design: Mirjam Reili

Photos: Annika Kaldoja and Mari Volens

Supported by Eesti Kultuurkapital, Eesti Disainerite Liit, Eesti Kunstiakadeemia, AS Floorin, Forbo Flooring Systems, SHISHI AS, Silikaat AS, Baltic Bolt OÜ

Commissioned by: Estonian Association of Designers