sebastian errazuriz: kaleidoscope cabinet

sebastian errazuriz
‘the space between the void’ (the kaleidoscope cabinet), 2013
walnut hardwood, bevelled mirrors, bronze, optical lens and electric components
all images courtesy of sebastian errazuriz

sebastian errazuriz‘s ‘the space between the void’ (the kaleidoscope cabinet) challenges the notions of standard furniture design — that a cabinet should simply be a box with two doors — by hiding luminous mirrors within the interior of the wooden piece. upon opening, the reflections from the shining surfaces produces a kaleidoscopic spectrum of imagery that multiplies the silverware placed inside, painting it with colors and patters. an interior light and a peep hole are built in attributes, allowing a curious viewer to peer in at the infinitely refracted objects, even when its doors are closed and the cabinet is locked. errazuriz’s memories of an old aunt he had while growing up — who always told him to ‘look but never touch’ her precious items — influenced this design. through the small window, the observer is allowed just a glimpse of the belongings within, alluding to the mystery hidden in the forbidden.

upon opening, the reflections from the shining surfaces produces a kaleidoscopic spectrum of imagery

silver items are placed inside ‘the space between the void’ creating a monochrome mirror images

impressions of the objects are multiplied infinitely like a kaleidoscope

the walnut wooden cabinet from the side view
 

the cabinet’s peep hole allows a viewer to peer inside when the cabinet doors are closed

the viewing hole offers a small glimpse of the precious belongings inside

the exterior of the walnut hardwood cabinet hides its mirrored interior