Series 1a was launched last month in Sydney’s artistic hub ‘ Danks Street at the renowned The Depot Gallery. Series 1a is a collection of beautifully sculptured, functional objects, made out of plywood, which not only reflect designer Michael Turner’s innate minimalist sensibility, but defy the senses to produce comfortable, visually arresting forms.
“Form is a function, x”
From this Constructivist quote hinged the foundation of Series 1a ‘ it is essentially reductivist – stripping all unnecessary elements, to bring each piece back to it’s purest, most unique and functional form. The designs reflect Turner’s vision ‘
‘I wanted to reduce, reduce and reduce again the form, structure and materials of ‘ chair’ and still have the forms function in new unexpected beautiful ways. ‘
For the exhibition Michael collaborated with composer pimmon (Paul Gough) who has created an audio response to series 1a. It is a 23 minute, challenging, elegant response which, accentuates and explores the boundaries of the space in which Michael’s objects sit. It’s organic and electronic, complex and rich with simplicity. pimmon is recognised internationally as one of a handful of artists pushing the boundaries of music and digital composition.
Intelligence in design, combined with experimentation and exploration of materials, is at the core of each Turner Collective piece. Defined by integrity of form and beauty of construction, The Turner Collective constructs each functional object bespoke to order, by local artisans, in its commitment to environmental parameters.
Michael has most recently collaborated with Frank Miller (Sin City) on the Gucci Guilty commercials featuring Evan Rachel Wood (True Blood) designing the sexy ‘future deco’ architectural landscape. And has just returned from the Middle East as the Art Director for Mission Impossible 4. Michael ‘s impressive film career also incudes Moulin Rouge! The Kite Runner, The Matrix Movies and Australia ‘ creating some of the most visually memorable setscapes in cinema.
He has also just been appointment the Art Director of Baz Luhrmann’s much anticipated and talked about – The Great Gatsby!
For more information on The Turner Collective and Series 1A click here