Fredrikson Stallard’s Iris collection for Swarovski Crystal Palace 2011 consists of four crystal and steel pieces designed to resemble the iris of the human eye.
These are grand structures with antiquarian aesthetics that resemble imposing utilitarian surgical and photographic lamps. Each has an individual outer ‘skin’ created by the careful use of varied natural metal treatments and patinas, ranging from gold leaf to rust.
As with much of Fredrikson Stallard’s work, the context is interwoven with combinations of materials in a polar magnetic way, underlining the qualities of each.
The crystals are used to depict the iris in a three-dimensional, painterly way – turbulently twisting, spiraling and radiating, creating highly individualistic intense structures, just as with our own eyes. Together they act as a lens, refracting and projecting the light towards the viewer, a key quality and function that both the human eye and Swarovski crystal so beautifully perform.
Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard explain: “The eye has always been significant since prehistoric times as a representation of gods or of the soul. We have taken the physical qualities of Swarovski crystals and translated these into the psychological realm of how we as humans observe, perceive and reflect our surroundings. In this way they act as a link between ourselves and the objects, which in turn observe us back.”
About Fredrikson Stallard
Patrik Fredrikson
Born in Sweden. Lives and works in London since 1995
Trained at Central Saint Martins College, London
Ian Stallard
Born in United Kingdom. Lives and works in London since 1993
Trained at Central Saint Martins College, London
Fredrikson Stallard‘s products, furniture and interiors balance on the ridge between the traditions of the past and the dreams of the future, with a healthy disregard for the conventions of both. The juxtaposition and fusion of elements from both sides give us glimpses of another, barely tangible reality: a reality where all things are deeper, darker and altogether more fantastic.
Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard began their collaboration in 1995 and have since become internationally recognised as leading exponents of British avant-garde design.
They are well known for their ability to translate their creativity into simple yet emotionally engaging furniture and product design. Their cutting edge, conceptually rigorous work has been regularly discussed and praised in the design press and is sought after by discerning collectors and furniture producers.
In 2002 Fredrikson Stallard launched their joint practice and moved to a 3,500 sq/ft atelier in East London, in which their design practice has been able to flourish.
Their work has been acquired twice by the Victorian and Abert Museum in London, the French National Art Collection, and shown at the Design Museum in London, MOMA and the Museum of Art and Design in New York.
Their clients include some of the leading names in contemporary design including Swarovski, Chanel, Veuve Clicquot, Comme des Garcons, Dunhill, Remy Martin, The London Design Festival, Bernhardt Design, David Gill Galleries, Contrasts Gallery, Tools Gallery, Mitterand & Cramer, The Savoy Hotel, Soho & Tribeca Grand, Tarkett and Iittala.
Fredrikson Stallard has exhibited widely including in London, Milan, Paris, Madrid, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Basel and Miami. .
Fredrikson Stallard has been the recipient of some of the most prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot Design Award and The Arts Foundation Furniture Design Fellowship, a competition held only every 10 years.
The work of Fredrikson Stallard was also voted one of the top ten designs of the last decade by The Financial Times, and the top 3 most collectible designs by HSBC Private Bank.
Swarovski Crystal HQ in Wattens, Austria
About Swarovski Crystal Palace
Since its inception in 2002 during the Milan Furniture Fair, Swarovski Crystal Palace has changed the course of design, by establishing a platform for leading players in international design to conceptualise, develop and share their most radical works.
Swarovski Crystal Palace is a think tank for the convergence of art, design, science and technology.
Swarovski Crystal Palace is one of the most important and inspired design projects of our times. Devised and instigated by Nadja Swarovski, it provides a snapshot of the most exciting and creative minds of the first decade of the 21st century.
Swarovski Crystal Palace is a revolutionary project that aims to create signature interpretations of light and design using the emotive medium of cut crystal.
While celebrating and reinterpreting the rich traditions of the chandelier, Swarovski Crystal Palace has pushed boundaries, and opened a new chapter in the history of lighting and design. Swarovski Crystal Palace has evolved a platform for creative expression and experimentation with innovation and technology.
