They are young creative individuals, emerging international talents that come together to challenge one another in terms of innovation and design quality. Meet the Pure Talents, in the spotlight alongside big brands within the setting of IMM Cologne, where they are presenting the most captivating results of their research.
20 individuals are featured in this special exhibit, carefully selected by a jury of experts which this year includes designer Rianne Makkink from the Studio Makkink & Bey, Rotterdam; head curator of the Helsinki Design Museum, Suvi Saloniemi; Wilfried Lembert, CEO of Minimum Einrichten; as well as Johannes Hünig, editor of the magazine IDEAT; and designers Sebastian Herkner and Cristian Zuzunaga.
Furniture, home décor, lighting, fabrics: many fields of experimentation and just as many themes explored by the designers.
A focus on childhood is found in multiple creative projects: from A Day at the Zoo by Julian Marticke (colourful wooden magnetic bricks that allow for various configurations of animals and fantastical creatures, as much for play as for decoration) to the Cléo collection by Julian Ribler (an innovative series of school furniture with dynamic shapes that encourage ergonomic seating and flexibility of use). This section also includes an innovative project by Mor Dagan which, with its modular system of Piggo chairs, provides an imaginative alternative to clinical waiting areas for small children.
Wood is definitely the primary material being experimented with: hence Mahu by Kevin Gerstmeier whose solid wood chair was inspired by the shapes of the 1960s, with a design approach in which the rear legs extend directly down from the backrest; or the Ikat credenza by INDO, which drew inspiration from ikat fabrics themselves and from their workmanship.
Alongside artisan tradition one also finds more innovative prototypes that challenge technology and modern developments, in favour of peoples’ total wellness. First of all Onda, conceived by Jocavander Horst, a decorative fabric that also purifies the air through the use of nanotechnology. And Pop by Rongjie Yang which provides relief from today’s stress, a space in which the mind can rest and take a break (thanks to the sound absorbing material which this ‘bubble’ is made fro). Michael Varga’s products also explore this theme: with the three projects The_Conscious_Unconsciousness he reflects on the conscious use of daily objects, among which a clothes tree that drops to the floor articles have been hanging there, unused, for too long.
For the first time this exhibition dedicated to young designers opens itself up to the world of the kitchen, coinciding with the LivingKitchen biennial. Thus LivingKitchen Selection was born, as well as a special award associated with it.
Six emerging talents have been chosen for the debut of this trade show: Peter Sorg, Tanita Klein, Lena Ohmstede & Larissa Siemon, Johan Vilardrich, Maxime Augay, and Jingbei Zheng, with projects that include compact kitchens, outdoor set-ups, original silverware, portable range hoods, and much more.
Winners of imm cologne’s 16th Pure Talents
Contest impress the judges with portable and intelligent solutions for the home.
In first, second and third place: Baschnja by Ilja Huber, Bench Gang by Christian Cowper and A Day at Zoo by Julian Marticke The Portable Kitchen Hood by Maxime Augay triumphs in the LivingKitchen Selection.
Special mention goes to Rebrush by Jingbei Zheng, The Conscious Unconsciousness by Michael Varga and SPL 3650 by Peter Sorg.
