TEN: BEYOND THE BEETLE
FRESHENING UP THE PALACE
By Daphne Christoforou
FRESHENING UP THE PALACE
‘Freshening Up the Palace’ by visual artist and ceramicist Daphne Christoforou is a handcrafted amphora decorated with underglaze, decals, overglaze and gold luster. Inspired by Ancient Greek pottery, the vessel depicts a mythical scene in which GamFratesi introduces the Beetle to the gods of Olympus.
“After hearing about the celebrated Beetle design, Hephaestus – craftsman and builder of the divine palaces on Mount Olympus – is willing to update the stately classical interiors by adding fresh modern touches.
Throughout the centuries, the antiquated Klismos chair with its outwardly bent legs has been a source of infuriating pain to the gods who have been continually crashing their toes on them. It is about time to replace this outdated piece of furniture.
So, a meeting with Hestia, goddess of the home; Hermes, who has extensive knowledge of current trends within the realms; and GamFratesi is set at the palaces in order to try out the newly brought Beetle Chairs and chat.
The simplicity, elegance, and comfort of the Beetle charm all three gods, who realize they have a lot of catching up to do, since human designs are becoming superior to their own.”
– Daphne Christoforou
DAPHNE CHRISTOFOROU
VISUAL ARTIST AND CERAMICIST, CYPRUS
Daphne Christoforou is a visual artist, illustrator and ceramicist from Cyprus. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, she was awarded the V&A Student Illustrator of the Year Award and the Adobe Achievement Award in 2015. Her work is narrative driven and revolves around Buddhist teachings concerning undesired impulses and emotions, observed human behaviors, as well as personal worries. Christoforou’s artistic process begins with drawing and writing, which is later developed into ceramic and sometimes textile pieces. The process of producing art is transformative for her, not only because of inherent joy of creativity, but also through the possibility of channeling captivating observations and emotions through narrative work.
“Daphne Christoforou gives a twist to the ancient art of Mediterranean pottery which traditionally depicts scenes of life, war, hunting, and meetings between men and gods. In this paradoxical area, she turns on her time machine and uses illustration to make the impossible possible and the bizarre plausible. The vase’s shape is recognizable and classic, but the colors, subjects, and styles catapult the work into the contemporary world.”
- Marco Sammicheli, curator, TEN: Beyond the Beetle
TEN: BEYOND THE BEETLE
GUBI SALONE 2023’s landmark exhibition showcases 10 creative responses to a modern design icon.