Georgia-based design collective Garbage Kids has made waves in the art and design world with their innovative collection of wooden furniture and ornaments crafted entirely from recycled materials. This unique exhibition was recently showcased at Milan design week in collaboration with Dropcity, a renowned urban centre for architecture and design.
The collection, situated in a historic tunnel behind Milan Central Station, stands alongside other captivating installations. Garbage Kids’ creations, described as “long-lasting” by the designers themselves, aim to resonate with viewers on a deep and personal level. The collective’s philosophy centers around creating pieces that are not only visually striking, but also foster meaningful connections and evoke strong emotions.
Each item in the collection is meticulously crafted from discarded materials such as timber from demolition sites, fallen trees, and leftovers from previous projects. Garbage Kids takes a sustainable approach to sourcing their materials, collecting them gradually from urban and wild environments, ensuring a minimal ecological impact.
One standout piece in the collection is the Daybed, a stunning bench made from reclaimed walnut adorned with over 11,000 seed pearls meticulously glued into pre-drilled holes. The Spiky Chair and Table, also made from reclaimed wood, feature legs adorned with spikes made from hazelnut, coated with a beeswax and ash mixture.
Garbage Kids’ work showcases the artistry of traditional carpentry and highlights the importance of using hand tools. The collective deliberately adopts a slower pace of work, allowing for thoughtful development of each object. This approach stands in contrast to the fast-paced nature of contemporary mass production, highlighting the timeless beauty and craftsmanship involved in their creations.
In addition to furniture, the collection includes hand-crafted wooden board games, inviting visitors to engage with the artwork in an interactive and playful way. Garbage Kids, consisting of Nika Gabiskiria, Ulla Alla, and Luka Abashidze, continues to be a dedicated partner of Dropcity and plans to host workshops at the Milan site in the future. Their vision aligns with the ethos of Dropcity, aiming to transform tunnels into cultural centers promoting material reuse and traditional carpentry techniques.
Garbage Kids’ exhibition at Milan design week serves as a powerful testament to the creative potential of waste materials, showcasing how discarded items can be transformed into objects of beauty and significance. By challenging mainstream production practices and emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship, this collection inspires viewers to reconsider the value of everyday materials and embrace the artistic possibilities inherent in recycling.
FAQ Section:
Q: What is Garbage Kids?
A: Garbage Kids is a Georgia-based design collective known for their innovative collection of wooden furniture and ornaments crafted entirely from recycled materials.
Q: Where was their recent exhibition showcased?
A: Their recent exhibition was showcased at Milan design week in collaboration with Dropcity, a renowned urban center for architecture and design.
Q: What is the philosophy behind Garbage Kids’ creations?
A: Garbage Kids aims to create visually striking pieces that foster meaningful connections and evoke strong emotions in viewers.
Q: What materials does Garbage Kids use for their collection?
A: Garbage Kids meticulously crafts their items from discarded materials such as timber from demolition sites, fallen trees, and leftovers from previous projects.
Q: How does Garbage Kids source their materials?
A: Garbage Kids takes a sustainable approach to sourcing materials, gradually collecting them from urban and wild environments to ensure minimal ecological impact.
Q: What are some notable pieces in Garbage Kids’ collection?
A: One standout piece is the Daybed, made from reclaimed walnut adorned with over 11,000 seed pearls. The Spiky Chair and Table, made from reclaimed wood, feature legs adorned with spikes made from hazelnut.
Q: What is significant about Garbage Kids’ approach to work?
A: Garbage Kids deliberately adopts a slower pace of work, emphasizing the artistry of traditional carpentry and the use of hand tools. They highlight the timeless beauty and craftsmanship involved in their creations.
Q: What else is included in Garbage Kids’ collection?
A: In addition to furniture, the collection also includes hand-crafted wooden board games that invite visitors to engage in an interactive and playful way.
Key Terms:
– Recycled materials: Materials that have been processed or repurposed for use again, reducing waste and the need for new raw materials.
– Demolition sites: Locations where buildings are being demolished, often resulting in leftover materials that can be salvaged.
– Sustainable: The use of resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
– Traditional carpentry: The practice and art of working with wood to create furniture, structures, and decorative items using traditional hand tools and techniques.
Related Links:
Dropcity – The official website of Dropcity, the renowned urban center for architecture and design mentioned in the article.
Milan Design Week – The official website of Milan Design Week, an annual event showcasing the latest innovations in design and creativity.
