paolo ulian + moreno ratti shape marble vase with dual personality
all images courtesy of paolo ulian and moreno ratti
paolo ulian and moreno ratti have crafted a marble vase called ‘introverso 2’. the defining feature of the form is its bipolar personality. this duality is articulated through the suggestion of two surfaces. the first is negotiated by a series of stacked contours with horizontal interstitial spaces that create a rhythmic pattern of solid and void. the combination presents the work as a rectangular prism of metamorphic rock. meanwhile, the second is developed by a provocative serpentine silhouette hidden on the interior. the fragility of the layers that cantilever out of the central base allows users to become artists that take part in the object’s formation: they may decide to keep the original and raw shape of the first vessel, or make alterations and bring out the illusive curves using a hammer to break the slats.
hammering away at the material
both conditions show the natural pattern of the rock on smooth and rigid textures
two versions of the vase
display showing the transformation
the design allows for multiple visuals
the contours provide a moire effect
the interior silhouette is visible through the layers
production process
sanding down the interior core
tools in the shop
conceptual diagram
project info:
project name: introverso 2
design: paolo ulian + moreno ratti
photography: paolo ulian + moreno ratti
factory: vallmar
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