By Jeanne Tan / 13-01-2010

2009 was hugely busy year for Studio Job (Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel) that ended with a bang: the opening of their own exhibition space in Antwerp, which is also the base of their studio.

Smeets calls it a 'chameleonic' space, somewhere between a gallery, platform and refuge for their work and others they admire. The industrial space is situated in a former cigar factory, close to museum quarter in the city's south. "We saw the space two years ago and totally fell in love with it. Later we regretted not buying it," says Tynagel. But a few months ago when the property came up for sale the duo made no hesitation as to their decision.

Currently the space is filled with a debut exhibition of pieces exclusively by Studio Job under the title 'The Birth'. The exhibition, realised in collaboration with the Zuiderzeemuseum takes visitors through different collections from the last few years that give a snapshot of their provocative approach. Starting with the most recent 'The Gospel' launched in Milan last year, comprising two lead glass windows, an oversized rusted cast iron service called 'The Last Supper' and a more life-sized ceramic service made by Royal Tichelaar Makkum. Also on view was the bronze and gold cabinet from the Robber Barron (2007) collection complete with a crater-hole punched into the middle, a bench with foldable backrest from the Perished (2006) collection and ofcourse their iconic tulip Pyramid (2008) also from Royal Tichelaar Makkum. A highlight was the Dinder Cabinet (2009) made for a private client in the UK which was adorned with a graphic collage depicting the property of the client, from the chapel on the grounds to the flowers and stone walls right down to the farm animals that roam the pastures. The cupboard will soon travel to its rightful owners (very unfortunate for the public) where it will be admired by a lucky select few. And if there was one piece which the duo would show to someone who wasn't familiar with their work, what would it be? "The Last Supper in corroded iron because it is so definite", says Smeets.

Guests to the festive opening last month admired not only the exquisite craftsmanship of Studio Job's pieces, but they could taste it as well. A new chocolate sweet designed by Studio Job for renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman was presented at the vernissage. Almost too beautiful to eat, the dessert was a large relief 'Coin' made of chocolate, filled with a light cream of yuzu and finished off with a gold colour: design that seriously melts in your mouth. Studio Job will also be designing an exclusive dinner service for Herman's restaurants.

Following Studio Job's exhibition will be work from Viktor & Rolf and Belgian designer Bram Boo. 'The Birth' is on view through 19 March 2010.

Next up for Studio Job: a collaboration with Pieke Bergmans to debut in Milan this year. Stay tuned for more.

Photography: R.Kot, Brussels
Image 7: 'Coin', Sergio Herman's new chocolate sweet designed by Studio Job. Plate by Jeanine Eek-Keizer

Add to favorites