Explosive new work from Formafantasma

Studio Formafantasma’s new series of designs is inspired by the ‘culture of lava’ in the regions around the Mount Etna and Stromboli volcanoes in Sicily.

 

1991 Stool, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Source: Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers, London. Image by Luisa Zanzani.

1991 Stool, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

The body of work, entitled De Natura Fossilum, is on show at London’s Gallery Libby Sellers from this week, and comprises furniture, homeware and more abstract, sculptural pieces.

Salina, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Source: Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers, London. Image by Luisa Zanzani.

Salina, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

It was cited by Seymourpowell as one of the highlights at the Milan Furniture Fair this year, where the series debuted.

Big Pillar, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Source: Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers, London. Image by Luisa Zanzani.

Big Pillar, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Taking the distinctive lava-derived black and grey palette, the works frequently use sharp lines and edges, contradicting the organic materials of basalt stone and lava fibres that form them.

Valle del Bove, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Source: Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers, London. Image by Luisa Zanzani.

Valle del Bove, 2014. De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

The glassware pieces were created from Etna rock, which was remelted and mouth-blown into Lavic glass to form pieces such as box structures. Which the gallery says ‘allude to the illegal dwellings and assorted buildings that have developed at the foot of the volcano.’

Clock, De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Source: Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers, London. Image by Luisa Zanzani.

Clock, De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Gallery Libby Sellers says, ‘By returning the rocks to their original molten state Formafantasma are reversing the natural timeline of the material and forcing a dialogue between the natural and manmade’.

It adds, ‘The work of Formafantasma is a different expedition in which the landscape is not passively contemplated but restlessly sampled, melted, blown, woven, cast and milled’.

Lipari, 2014.De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

Source: Courtesy Gallery Libby Sellers, London. Image by Luisa Zanzani.

Lipari, 2014.De Natura Fossilium by Formafantasma, 2014

De Natura Fossilium By Studio Formafantasma runs until 12 June at Gallery Libby Sellers, 41-42 Berners Street, London WlT 3NB

 

 

 

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