Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Alessi Nuvem Wire Collection - Wire Art Made Practical, The Alessi Way

By Axel W.

Nuvem is a collection of objects formed from aluminum wire, spun and squashed into different household items. But that engineering description doesn't begin to describe this daring concept. It's an interesting blend of art and functional object, achieved with rare skill.

Years in development, there were the usual artistic struggles, of course. Add to that the difficulty of creating economical objects that were also functional. A daunting task. The results show that they have succeeded marvelously.

A simple table mat might seem like it wouldn't be difficult to achieve. Yet, even here the struggle was great. To be true the original artistic inspiration, while creating a useful object that will not scratch or degrade, requires real skill.

The Alessi Nuvem Wire Mat (AFC12, made from anodized aluminum) comes in natural color, blue, or gold. Each one exhibits the asymmetry that turns this utilitarian object into a work of thoughtful design. Measuring approximately 43cm x 37 cm (17" x 14.5") at the widest points, it is far from a simple rectangle. Yet, this unusual shape still manages to fit perfectly into your decorating scheme as both a wonderful design and a practical tool.

For a more complex object based on the same idea, Alessi reached for the humble Wire Flower Vase (AFC13). The base is 10cm x 10 cm (4" x 4") and the vase stands 17 cm (7") high. Those mundane figures, however, don't begin to describe the delight this piece of functional sculpture delivers.

As an open wire frame, the vase isn't designed to hold water though it can be used as the outer shell of a glass cylinder or rectangle. Still, it is the perfect choice for artificial flowers, as a container for potpourri, or any of dozens of decorating ideas. The swirling wire design complements the natural theme of growing plants yet provides an abstract work of art at the same time.

The company didn't rest on its laurels. It went still further. It created the Alessi Wired Citrus Basket (AFC11) like no other. Here, the aesthetic and the practical work together in perfect harmony. Mediocre engineering would have resulted in disaster. Artistic sloppiness would have ruined a promising idea. By sheer will the designers achieved a perfect balance.

Available in natural aluminum color, blue, or gold, this fruit basket can be used in a wide variety of color schemes. Placed as the centerpiece of your table, your decorative efforts will pay off handsomely with just a simple touch of Nuvem. Sporting the same organic pattern as the flower vase, it brings both the sense of life and the artifice of design together in perfect harmony.

The seamless blend of practical purpose and fine dcor is a hallmark of Alessi. Nowhere have they achieved that integration better than in the nuvem line. Outstanding craftsmanship has realized an artistic vision honored by becoming part of the MOMA collection in New York. Honor Alessi by making it part of yours as well.

About the Author:

No comments: