alain gilles faux mirror collection for deknudt

based on the combination of different materials on a mirror, belgian designer alain gilles presents the ‘faux mirror’ collection for deknudt mirrors. taking on the concept of perception and juxtaposition, the pieces feature the addition of a new fake material on the mirror: either a perforated metal or a wooden texture. this ‘false’ addition references the artistic imitation of wood or wood grains, a practice that finds its roots in the renaissance period, where it was common to craft concrete using an iron armature and make it resemble wood.

called ‘faux mirror’ collection, the pieces feature the juxtaposition of a fake material

the ‘faux mirror’ collection by alain gilles for deknudt mirrors showcase an asymmetric shape that is reminiscent of broken glass, as if its edges had been broken one by one, shaped roughly like a diamond. made using serigraphy techniques, the two fake materials sit on top of the mirror, adding another layer to the reflections. its transparency acts as a veil, playing with the perception of those who look into it, generating a new dimension to reality. the mirrors can be complemented with a small shelf that acts as a loose add-on element and can be fixed to the wall at different locations around the mirror.

the wood and perforated metal layers add a new dimension to the mirrors

‘the idea was to warm up the mirrors and give them a texture, but also to play on the partial reflection generated by the graphically treated area,’ comments alain gilles. ‘the reflection of an object or person appears almost as if a veil or a light curtain were passing in front of part of the mirror.’

the transparency of the new layer acts as a veil, adding a new dimension to the reflection