By Editor Design.nl / 03-03-2010

In 2002 designer Maarten Baas became an instant sensation in the design world with his Design Academy graduation collection 'Smoke'. Through the charred and blackened furniture, he makes a statement about an impersonal design tradition. His designs originate in an unorthodox approach, resulting in an individual signature. The SM’s – Stedelijk Museum ‘s-Hertogenbosch will for the first time show a complete survey of his designs.

Baas’ independent and idiosyncratic way of working has earned him the nickname of ‘the bad boy of design’. Design for Baas is about exploring new forms through the use of unorthodox methods and materials. In his own words: “Furniture designs in general are introvert, rational and impersonal through the symmetry and fixed finishing touch. When you compare this kind of design with people I wouldn’t feel myself at home, they are so pretentious. I want to make something that doesn’t have that distant character, but something more personal, like when children are drawing or claying.”

In the series 'Clay' from 2006, synthetic clay is moulded by hand around a frame to create furniture with a unique look. 'Sculpt' (2007) arises from a similar immediate approach: the furniture is based on quick sketches which are translated into monumental furniture. In his most recent series ‘Real Time’ (2009) he invents the clock: by making videos of people moving the hands of a clock around with a broom as if it were garbage or by redrawing the hands on a dial over and over again. The passage of time becomes visible when the video is projected ‘real time’.

Maarten Baas prefers handcraft above mass production, identity over image. He makes design a personal matter.

Maarten Baas was declared ’Designer of the Year’ at Art Basel /Design Miami 2009. The SM’s will show a selection from all his furniture series since 2002, together with several one-off commissions. The playful designs from ‘The Chankley Bore’ series and the Haphazard Harmony Service will have their Dutch premiere at the exhibition.

Making Things Personal - Maarten Baas
SM's - Stedelijk Museum 's-Hertogenbosch
19 February until 24 May 2010

Photography: SM's / Joep Jacobs

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