Shimell and Madden design London Design Biennale awards
Design House Shimell and Madden design London Design Biennale Medals
Reading Time:
1 min {{readingTime}} mins
The medals for the 2018 London Design Biennale have been designed by Shimell and Madden - the Shoreditch based jewellery studio whose work is strongly influenced by the universal and symbolic language of geometry. Taking simple yet powerful primal shapes, the designers create pieces that have both an ancient and modern resonance.
In response to the Biennale’s 2018 theme, Emotional States, Shimell and Madden sought to highlight the mechanics at work when we observe, imitate and reflect facial expressions. They used a mirrored surface in the design as a representative device for this process of emotional identification.
Using metal manipulation, the designers created four warped circular shapes, each subtly different so as to echo the intricate and ineffable factors that distinguish us and our emotions.
Fascinating and familiar, mirrors have always been a source of intrigue. They open the door to ideas about chirality, virtuality and perceptions of self – projections of our opposite. The undulating surface of each medal invites the observer to look at the changing and transforming reflections on its surface, just as our perception of self and our environment is shaped by our emotions and experiences.
Shimell and Madden created the four brass medals using only hand-metalworking techniques. The shape was hand-pierced, the surface hammer-formed and the finish hand-polished and hand-engraved. The medal stand is functional in form but embodies the geometric style of the designers.
“We felt the final design we put forward for the Biennale medals was exciting in its visual interactivity while eloquently incorporating the 2018 theme. The medals reflect our making practice of fusing traditional metalworking techniques with conceptual design. We hope the design provokes both thought and enjoyment, and also serves as a meaningful award for the winners’ achievements.’” Emma Madden, Co-Founder, Shimell and Madden
The 2018 London Design Biennale is devoted to the theme, Emotional States. Taking over the entirety of Somerset House, including The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and River Terrace, it will explore big questions and ideas about sustainability, migration, pollution, energy, cities, and social equality. Visitors will enjoy engaging and interactive installations, innovations, artworks and proposed design solutions - all in an immersive, inspiring and entertaining tour of the world.
A highlight on the global cultural calendar, the Biennale will see some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious designers, innovators and cultural bodies gather in the capital to celebrate the universal power of design and explore the role of design in our collective futures.
London Design Biennale awards four medals to the best contributions from the participating countries, cities and territories.
There are four categories
1. London Design Biennale 2018 Medal, awarded to the most outstanding overall contribution, supported by Poly Culture Group.
2. London Design Biennale 2018 Emotional States Medal, awarded for the most inspiring interpretation of the 2018 theme, supported by Panasonic.
3. London Design Biennale 2018 Best Design Medal, awarded to the contribution with the most exceptional design, supported by Princess Yachts.
4. London Design Biennale 2018 Public Medal, voted for by visitors.
The first three medals are selected by the Biennale’s International Jury, a group of 14 world-leading design experts and influencers. As part of the exhibition, a special display will be dedicated to the medals and this year’s winners.
The medals will also be on display during the Biennale
4-23 September 2018
Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
Author:
Published:
