valerie objects Mug Grey Ceramic. Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 9.4 cm – Length
(with handle): L 8.7 cm – Capacity: 35 cl. Dutch designer Maarten Baas is
known for his iconoclastic, whimsical creations that disrupt traditional
typologies. Through his controversial experimental work, Maarten Baas overturns
preconceived ideas. He has forged his own world, happily pushing the boundaries
of design to show another reality made up of strangeness, optical effects,
illusion, play. In collaboration with the Antwerp label Valérie Objects,
Maarten Baas has created a complete set of tableware : objects with assumed
irregularities and a „handmade“ feel. As ever, Maarten Baas likes to jostle
the lines, create irregularity and asymmetry to make his objects more human.
Named „Inner Circle“, his tableware collection refers to our inner circle,
those with whom we like to share great times around the table, as well as the
design that’s at the centre of the collection: the circle. Maarten Baas
explains: “I discovered that all tableware is made up of circles within
circles.” Maarten Baas favoured spontaneity over perfect symmetry by drawing
spontaneous, irregularly shaped circles freehand. They were literally translated
into tableware, making these objects the materialisation of imperfect concentric
circles. Each object thus declines the shape of the circle roughly drawn by
hand. In a world where machines are made to produce straight lines, Maarten
Baas' irregular shapes are a real technical challenge to achieve. This range of
tableware favours naturalness and irregular shapes rather than perfection,
communicating an artisanal idea. The asymmetrical curved, soft lines break with
our very strict, linear everyday environments. Far from the codes and usual wise
rectilinear lines, the irregular, imperfect organic shapes, the rugged contours
of these pieces halfway between design and art really stand out. Once placed on
the table, these items inject an unexpected, calm, authentic atmosphere into
the decor.
