set a 'drift' on technology bliss
‘Concrete Storm’ by Drift Studio, augmented reality installation, 2021.
Re-establishing the connection between humans and earth.
Published On: 19/05/2022
Studio Drift (established in 2007) is an artistic practice founded by art duo Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta. Working with an unwavering curiosity for the natural world, technology and our interactions with them, the studio is on a mission to unite people and nature through their large scale public art installations.
“Materialism” explores themes of consumerism through sculpture (IGNANT 2020)
“ DRIFT brings people, space and nature on to the same frequency, uniting audiences with experiences that inspire a reconnection to our planet.” Lonneke Gordijn
The practice consists of an interdisciplinary team working together to bring these spatial, kinetic and lighting installations to life.
“In 20 Steps” kinetic glass installation for Iris Van Herpen Paris Fashion Week, 2018
With collaborations with the likes of the Dutch Travel Opera House and fashion designer Iris Van Herpen (for Paris fashion week), the studio has an established reputation for creating world-class, beautiful and emotionally moving installations.
‘Fragile Future’ at the Cidade Matarazzo, Brazil, 2014 - Brass, LED and dandelion seeds
One notable work that connects the Gordijn’s immense fascination with nature and Nauta’s love of science-fiction and technology, is called “Fragile Future III”. This project entailed the harvesting of thousands of mature dandelions, delicately removing each seed one by one and reattaching it to an illuminated bronze wire. Wires were then arranged to form a beautiful composition of technological and natural elements working together. This piece serves as a poetic metaphor for the future of our humanity and the planet to forge alliances between the natural world and technological advancements to survive.
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“Franchise Freedom” 2020 - illuminated drone flock
One of our favourite installations by the studio is a piece called ‘Franchise Freedom,’ whereby a swarm of illuminated drones fill the sky, reminiscent of a flock of birds. During a recent show of ‘Franchise Freedom’ in Rotterdam, the drones converged at the end of their performance, forming a dimensional beating heart in the sky; a salute to health care workers for their tireless efforts during the pandemic.
"We're flying Franchise Freedom for the healthcare workers and the people who are suffering from the virus," Studio Drift co-founder Nauta said. "Unfortunately, art cannot be the solution, but it can create comfort during desperate times." (Dezeen, 2022) - Poetry we all need in trying times.
“Forever Drifting” 2021
With so much uncertainty in the world, the experience of art can help us come together, reflect and hold onto a hopeful gaze toward the future.
For more from Studio Drift head to their website:
and check out some videos of their work over at:
https://studiodrift.com/films/
Sources
“Concrete storm” Silvia Ros via https://fortune.com/2017/03/02/microsoft-hololens-art-show/
“In 20 Steps” via https://www.designscene.net/2018/07/iris-van-herpen-fw18-couture.html
“In 20 Steps” via https://www.wallpaper.com/design/flight-of-fancy-watch-studio-drifts-kinetic-installation-for-2015-venice-art-biennale-take-off
“Franchise Freedom” 2020 via https://aestheticamagazine.com/digital-connections/
https://www.ignant.com/2020/10/07/studio-drifts-materialism-explores-themes-of-consumerism-through-sculpture/
All images © Studio DRIFT
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