mischer'traxler with perrier-jouët debut curiosity cloud at london design festival 2015

mischer’traxler with perrier-jouët debut curiosity cloud at london design festival 2015
image © mischer’traxler

following their collaboration on the ‘ephemerā kinetic table’ installation, mischer’traxler and perrier jouët team up again to present the ‘curiosity cloud’ during london design festival 2015.

housed within the V&A museum‘s norfolk house music room, the installation is comprised of a cluster of 250 mouth-blown illuminated glass globes created in partnership with renowned viennese crystal maker lobmeyr. within each vessel, a variety of species of hand fabricated insects flutter. as one moves closer towards the cloud of glistening light, the critters react by flying faster, tapping against the glass as they elevate their wings.

‘curiosity cloud’ comprises 250 glass globes that each house handcrafted insects within
image © mischer’traxler

the ‘curiosity cloud’ continues the exploration of perrier-jouët’s proposed theme of ‘small discoveries’ which mischer’traxler addressed in their first commission for the champagne company. the immersive work aims to examine the transience of nature and the core principles and variety of expression associated with the art nouveau movement which are at the heart of perrier-jouët’s philosophy. it does so through its references of flora and fauna, and the use of handcraft processes through light and sound, creating a dialogue between nature and mankind.

detail of one of the insects inside a glass globe
image © mischer’traxler

‘we are excited to have mischer’traxler create an installation for champagne perrier-jouët to be housed in the UK for the first time and we are looking forward to seeing how they will showcase the ethos of the house and reflect its art nouveau heritage,’ says axelle de buffévent, global style director for champagne perrier-jouët.

‘curiosity cloud’ marks the first presentation of mischer’traxler’s work in the UK.

the insects are set to react to viewers, fluttering faster as one approaches them
image © mischer’traxler

a look at the handmade insects that flutter within the glass globes
image © mischer’traxler

detail of the winged critters
image © mischer’traxler

each insect is labeled with their latin name and the primary locations where they can be found
image © mischer’traxler

live mock-up of ‘curiosity cloud’ using balloons to stand in for the glass globes
image © mischer’traxler

in the workshop
image © mischer’traxler

katharina mischer and thomas traxler wiring the insects
image © mischer’traxler

concept sketch of ‘curiosity cloud’ by mischer’traxler
image © mischer’traxler

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