Down to Earth

Group show at Shåk Gallery
Photography by Thibeau scarcériaux

Designers:  Benjamin Motoc, Corradino Garafalo, Fleur Hulleman,
Francoise Jeffrey, Fransje Gimbrere, Lenny Stöpp, Nadja Schenkler
Nienke Sikkema, Olivier van der Mark, Rollo Bryant
Studio Luuk van Laarhoven, Studio Sho Ota
Tellurico, Ward Wijnant, Willem van Hooff

On Sunday, May 15 2022, the group exhibition "Down to Earth" opened in Shak Gallery, Brussels. For this exhibition, Berry Dijkstra has put together a show with a new generation of designers based in the Netherlands. The Dutch are known for their pragmatic and down-to-earth attitude, while the selected objects are about pushing the boundaries of materials, defying gravity, and at times feeling otherworldly. Down to Earth takes you on a journey through the Low Countries. 15 designers present work, with material research leading to interesting forms and translations. A new generation of designers is working on the reputation of Dutch design. Unlike in the 90s, the designers are more diverse, more women, and above all more international. The academies of the Netherlands are bringing a new generation of designers who, despite their rational attitude, have a shot at a trip to the moon. The Netherlands and its people are known for their pragmatic and hands-on attitude. New ideas and forms emerge through research and experimentation. The results are mesmerizing and at odds with the down to Earth attitude and feel rather otherworldly. This field of tension is interesting and creates friction. Something that is characteristic of Berry Dijkstra's work. Bringing together worlds that do not originally belong together is a recurring theme. Also for this exhibition, he has made a selection that is very diverse in material, form, and function. From functional objects, such as vases, and candlesticks to items that push the boundaries of design and can also be labeled art. This grey zone or intersection of disciplines is an interesting field of tension. Down to Earth explores this field of tension.

From left to right: Fleur Hulleman, Ward Wijnant, Nienke Sikkema, Tellurico, Benjamin Motoc and Françoise Jeffrey

From left to right: Françoise Jeffrey, Lenny Stöpp (above), Ward Wijnant, Olivier van der Mark (above), and Nadja Schenkler

From left to right: Olivier van der Mark, Fransje Gimbrere, Rollo Bryant, Corradino Garafalo, Lenny Stöpp, Tellurico, Willem van Hooff and Fransje Gimbrere