A Pixelated View
Ilia Potemine is a designer fascinated by both craft and the machine age.
3D design and Cad are not involved in the process of his realisation and creative process, celebrating handcraft and allowing space for mistakes and imperfection as a part of the design journey. Basing much of his designs on contrasts and asymmetries, the forms and materials that come together shape truly beautiful pieces.
Continue reading to find out more about the Pixel tables featured at Mint, and see more of Ilia’s work.
From his Turin studio, Potemine deconstructed the computer screen pixel, blowing it out of proportion and then reforming it by hand. The blocks have been stacked irregularly in three tiers atop a slanting brass base to create a striking geometric table.
Pixel coffee table at LDF14 Elements of Craft at Mint
The low Pixel table was featured in Mint’s LDF 14 Elements of Craft, a show with a diverse selection of works that illustrated craft’s impact on the design process.
“I like to create symmetry in my pieces projects. I divide them into two parts, the first should be square and natural, primitive. The other party must be its opposite. I think the contrast draws our eye and our attention. When we see something based on the contrast, it will be remembered. Conversely, it is difficult to remember a linear piece.”
Ilia Potemine interviewed by Gallery S. Bensimon
Art deco style meets contemporary digital imagery in Pixel Table, with its playful form and mix of materials. There is also a glance to the iconoclastic pastiche preferred by Italian designers in the 1980s, such as the Memphis Group.
Pixel console at LDF15 Twisting Traditions at Mint
Potemine’s use of materials and contrasts are refined and thoughtful, creating designs that are timeless. See below for more of Potemine’s wonderful work!
“Oggetti Dinamici” series; Aluminium, resin and brass
Potemine introduced Oggetti Dinamici — “dynamic objects” — a row of orbs tucked inside a metal tube that slides open to reveal and illuminate them. Fabricating the balls of light using a reactive LED system with induction modules, the balls can be removed from their base and placed in another light fixture.
Lampade Alte and Arq Lamp
Lampade Alte features a base of raw wood in which three columns are lodged, inspired by the design of the Memphis movement and the creations of Ettore Sottsass in the 80s
ARQ Lamp, for BEplusHAVE, uses two simple materials of PVC pipes and a single piece of wood to create a thoughtful luminaire. The wooden base has been left untouched, full of cracks and imperfections created by nature, which in their own way have a unique perfection.
We look forward to seeing what other wonderful ideas come next!
Images © Ilia Potemine and Mint