Jurgen Bey
Pyramids of Makkum, 2009
Earthenware, Faience technique, silver
Pyramid: 125 H x 40 W x 40 D cms; Crate: 128 W x 172 H x 60 D cms
Gallery Libby Sellers is pleased to present Pyramids of Makkum, a collection of sculptural, totem-like flower vases designed by Hella Jongerius, Jurgen Bey, Studio Job and Alexander van Slobbe and produced by the venerable ceramics company Royal Tichelaar Makkum. Each is an edition of 7 + 3AP.
Having undertaken a demanding restoration project on original 17th century flower pyramids at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, Royal Tichelaar Makkum engaged a handful of leading contemporary Dutch designers to embark on a challenging project of its own. Using a replica of the restored flower pyramid as their starting point, each designer was invited to create their own modern reinterpretation of the grandiose tower. The results display the remarkable virtuosity of the designers involved, while hinting at the surrealism and changing perception of the object’s purpose.
Jurgen Bey: 'Buckets used to be made from wood, leather or metal: today plastic reigns. The flower tower is an ode to the collector, in whose hoard of curiosities the ceramic vase has evolved to become the plastic bucket's equivalent.'