The minimal shapes of Studio Khachatryan

Shown inside Antwerp space St Vincent, Studio Khachatryan's collection of sculptural works blur the boundaries between function and abstraction

If side brass and marble by tables by Studio Khachatryan
If side tables in solid brass and marble by Studio Khachatryan
(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

Multidisciplinary Antwerp space St Vincent presents a summer exhibition of works by Studio Khachatryan, with a range of works including lighting, furniture and objects.

Founded by Armenian, Belgium-based Noro Khachatryan in 2010, the studio operates with a multidisciplinary approach, touching upon product and furniture design as well as architecture and sculpture with a distinctively sleek aesthetic, attention to craftsmanship techniques and natural materials. The exhibition will show limited edition pieces designed between 2016 and 2020, exploring Khachatryan’s mathematical approach to design and the pure visual language of his works.

All pieces in the exhibition can be traced back to a minimal, archetypal design language, stemming from a varied pool of visual inspirations. The Meronyms, for example, are a series of abstract objects whose volumes reference classical urban architecture. ‘The structures in this series reflect the relationship between interior and exterior within the city’s public spaces, and the way this relationship is often translated by materials,’ says Khachatryan. Made of black Noir de Mazy marble, the pieces eschew traditional functions, being defined solely by their structural inspiration – platform, corner and column – thus leaving the user to approach them functionally as they please.

Meronyms by Studio Khachatryan

'Corner', from the Meronyms collection

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

Other pieces in the show include the Jag bronze candle holders, the If side tables in marble and brass and the slim Dy pendant lamp. Every object by Studio Khachatryan is the result of a precise composition of geometries, and is enriched by the material palette and by the technical precision with which it is assembled.

For the occasion, Khachatryan will also unveil the Post tables, a pair of plinth-like objects made of two intersecting white onyx volumes. Once again, the functional approach is left to the user, with shapes that can suggest a more domestic direction or become a white canvas-like display element.

A self-proclaimed materialist, through this body of work Khachatryan demonstrates the potential richness of a minimalist design language, and the fine line between function and abstraction.

Post tables in white onyx by Studio Khachatryan

The Post tables are made of intersecting white onyx volumes

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

Dy pendant light by Studio Khachatryan

The Dy pendant light, ‘a play on reflection, shapes and light’.

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

If tables by Studio Khachatryan

The If tables were created over a two-year process

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

Jag candle holders in solid bronze by Studio Khachatryan

Jag candle holders in solid bronze

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

Meronyms collection by Studio Khachatryan

The Meronyms collection, featuring a series of abstract objects whose volumes reference classical urban architecture

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

Platform, from the Meronyms collection by Studio Khachatryan

A detail of the Platform, from the Meronyms collection

(Image credit: Adriaan Hauwaert)

INFORMATION

Studio Khachatryan is on view 21 August – 20 September at St Vincents

studiokhachatryan.com
stvincents.co

ADDRESS

St.Vincents
Kleine Markt 13
2000 Antwerp

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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.

With contributions from