Aluminum Rational Jigsaw Chair by Studio Julien Manaira

Aluminum rational jigsaw chair by Studio Julien Manaira Dimensions: 65 x 46 x 94 cm Materials: brushed and waxed aluminum The intention behind this project is to highlight the traces from the actions of the maker. In this sense, the choice of the jigsaw is deliberate and allows a strong physical relation between maker and material, that will remain tangible in the final object. Each of these cuts is unique and have their own character emanating from what happened on the very moment of the making. They stand out from the regular and smooth cuts realized digitally in a factory. Digital and manual inputs have equal importance in the objects. They communicate their differences in order to create a strong dynamic between the two methodologies of work. Without suggesting which is better, they create their own narrative and are the reflection of two temporalities: the digital work is continuous when the manual work is the track of a particular moment. The created objects intend to be the presentation of these approaches of the material. The dynamic and anarchic way of cutting by hand respond to the linear and supervised vision of the computer-cut elements. The pieces intend to be functional objects carrying the narrated discussion between the controlled and uncontrolled treatments of the material. Julien Manaira (France,1992) successively studied industrial design (La martinière, Lyon) and fine arts -option product design (Esad, Reims). In 2015 he came to Amsterdam to follow a temporary master program (Materialisation in Art and Design) at the Sandberg Institute where he graduated in 2017 before opening his studio in the same city. His graduation project ‘The once liquid plastic’ was awarded by the RADO Star Prize 2017 and the 3rd prize of the Pure Talent Contest at IMM Cologne 2018. In the last years, he exhibited his works in different established and recognized organizations such as Paris Design Week, IMM Cologne, Design Parade Hyères, and Milan Design Week. He was commissioned by different companies, among which Nilufar Gallery, Nubikk, Van Dijk Store as well as private clients. The main focus in his practice is setting processes that allow the manufacturer or him to be mentally and physically involved in the transformation of material towards an object. He believes that this empowerment is a way to engage deeper the audience or user’s perception, and therefore create a stronger connection with the object. Serendipity, combining industrial and artisanal material, are examples of how he aims to create objects that are able to communicate their undergone transformations. Iris Box.