Kunsthal Rotterdam

The exhibition offers visitors a glimpse of an important group of Rotterdam-based and international artists and designers represented by Copper and Krol. The functional purpose of many of the objects so characteristic of Design Art seems to be less important than their extraordinary shape or application, which results in an entirely different approach. Glithero's fragile vase, for example, is not intended as a receptacle for flowers. The monumental round sofa by the international designduo Minale- Maeda (based in Rotterdam) demands to be placed in an environment other than a living room. The sofa can be made to revolve and reveals itself gradually to the viewer. This piece of furniture appearsto have a filmic character, perhaps more like a painting, where the viewer understands what he sees in gradual steps. The wooden tables and chairs by the English designer duo Richard Woods & Sebastian Wrong are made in Italy. Their bent shapes are created using a special steaming process that has been handed down from generation to generation. Once back in Woods and Wrong's studio, the pieces are painted, numbered and signed, creating unique objects. The paintwork plays with depth and dimensions, giving the impression that the furniture has been drawn into the surroundings.

A platform for discussion

With VIVID, Saskia Copper and Aad Krol transcend the stereotypical concept of a gallery. VIVID is also a national and international meeting place and platform for lively discussions on the dividing line between design and art. They gladly share their interests and show what is happening both in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world when it comes to design and fine art. The rich content of the gallery's website offers much more than simply an overview; it shows where Copper and Krol have been focussing their attention over the years. Their initiative designartnews.com is also followed with great interest by national and international collectors, museums, artists, designers and students.