field experiments redefines traditional balinese souvenirs

field experiments redefines traditional balinese souvenirs
all images courtesy of field experiments

the multidisciplinary design collective, ‘field experiments‘ has undertaken a three-month long project in ubud, bali to explore how objects could be embedded with a culture and their people. this series of household products redefines the concept of a souvenir by binding contemporary design with traditional balinese craftwork. the project resulted in a collection of over 50 objects that do not adhere to the typical definition of the ‘souvenir’.

a diverse range of experimental and handmade items were explored, and a selection of these objects are set to become prototypes for future products. the goal is to bring new credibility to the concept of ‘made in bali’, highlighting the skill and ingenuity of the balinese people.

adhoc light

from june – september 2013, the team comprised of benjamin harrison bryant (new york city, united states), paul marcus fuog (melbourne, australia) and karim charlesbois-zariffa (montreal, canada) set up a studio in lodtunduh, a farming community situated on the outskirts of ubud in bali. they conducted daily design experiments in masonry, woodcarving, weaving, painting, kite making and batik.

a field experiments exhibition is scheduled in new york for mid may 2014. part exhibition, part souvenir shop, it will display documented observations, sketches, photographs, the personal stories of the makers and the collection, a publication of these works is also in production.

disposable bottles

multi brush – field experiments

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.