Press Centre
September 2009
Swarovski CRYSTAL PALACE at Vienna Design Week
Swarovski Crystal Place will reveal pieces from a pioneering exhibition of work by Arik Levy, at the Liechtenstein Museum and Sotheby’s Vienna during Vienna Design Week, 1-11 October 2009.
Two Chaton Superstructures will be displayed in the garden of the Liechtenstein Museum. These special sculptures explore the relationship between architecture, space and object, where the abstract expressions of the crystal-cut chaton transform into a structure where one can choose to walk around or peer through. An inside/outside space is created, expressing graphically the 3D data of the cut. The pieces can be formed in any size and as installations can adapt to different scales.
In addition, TableScape jewellery in marble and wire frame will be exhibited at Sotheby’s Vienna. A set composed of crystal and marble chatons and a second set, composed of crystal and resin, copper and nickel-plated wire-frame chatons, create table sculptures. The relationship between the opaque of the marble and the transparent presence of the crystal creates an interesting tension between the pieces. One is the antithesis of the other and both are representations of a mineral.
First shown at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, Swarovski Crystal Palace’s exhibition revealed a galaxy of crystal forms, masterminded by its creative collaborator Arik Levy. The exhibition was conceived to inspire visitors with a new sense of wonder and appreciation in the beauty and technology inherent in Swarovski crystal. The Chaton Superstructures dominated the exhibition, offering a contrast with the other pieces. Contrasts were at the heart of the exhibition, which highlighted the play between solid and transparent, light and dark, hot and cold, big and small, rough and smooth.
Arik Levy's unique, multidisciplinary approach and interpretation of Swarovski crystal resulted in a series of installations based on the chaton, the most emblematic of crystal cuts and one that is closely associated to Swarovski. Levy explains, "Swarovski is above all about technology. The crystal is the sparkling and poetic result of the company's heritage, innovation and skill. The installation expresses the notion of movement in order to achieve a new balance. Through the membrane of experience from real to virtual, from solid to metaphor, visual and emotional perception transforms, the exhibition takes you on a voyage of rediscovery through eye-catching sculpture, lighting, furniture and art.”
For Nadja Swarovski, Levy’s vision was truly inspired; “Arik has added a new dimension to Swarovski by using crystal as a sculptural ingredient and by highlighting both the notion and concept of crystal. He skillfully explores the connotation of this unique medium by experimenting with interactive shapes, techniques and materials. Arik’s interpretation of crystal creatively reflects Swarovski’s constant aspiration to go beyond that of the imagination.” Nadja Swarovski, Vice President of International Communications, Swarovski.
