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Experience BRICK, an exhibition of new work by Dutch artist Floris Wubben, now on view at The Future Perfect gallery in New York. Bricks, the most widely used ceramic product in the world, fascinate this artist by their ubiquity and understated presence in many architectural settings.
Founded in 2009 and based in Haarlem, Netherlands, Studio Floris Wubben is known for its unique products that are the intersection of functional art and sculptural design. In recent years, the studio has experimented with ceramic extrusion with custom-made machines. The combination of natural materials and the balance between production method and design create exceptionally shaped objects that are both artistic and practical. Wubben draws inspiration from the history of the Dutch brick industry, highlighting how bricks are often made from locally mined clay, making them unique to their origins. ‘Each brick,’ says Wubben, ‘is the result of a specific clay composition and production method, resulting in objects that are simultaneously visually uniform and physically unique.’ The extruded Groningen brick stands out for its combination of craftsmanship, historical significance and practicality. The clay from the Dollard Polder in the north of the Netherlands, known for its oily texture, is ideal for extrusion and allows for precise shaping. For BRICK, Wubben used this distinctive Dutch red clay to explore his fascination and connection with it.
Most of the pieces in the BRICK exhibition are made using hand-built extrusion machines, leading to diverse and unique shapes. Influenced by traditional brick-making techniques, this project combines extrusions with cement to create innovative forms and large pieces of furniture. Wubben has found the connections between traditional brick making, his contemporary design practice and international architectural history, and brought them together at The Future Perfect gallery in New York.
This project is influenced by traditional brick construction techniques and combines extrusions with cement
BRICK shows how Wubben manages to harmoniously combine traditional techniques and modern designs. His work explores the possibilities of material and design, always looking for new interpretations of familiar processes. By doing so, he creates objects that are both a tribute to the past and a step into the future of design.
Floris Wubben's BRICK is supported as part of the DutchCultureUSA programme by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York. This collaboration highlights the international appreciation of Wubben's work and his contribution to the contemporary art and design world. Visit BRICK at The Future Perfect in New York and discover how Floris Wubben's innovative approach to brick adds a new dimension to architectural and sculptural design. Photography by Joe Kramm
Text by Celien Hemelaer