IN THE MIX JUNE 1 2021
by Design Miami
Design Miami’s biweekly, can't-miss roundup of design world news and inspiration

PORTRAIT OF MARY CONSOLATA NAMAGAMBE, AMBASSADOR FOR SAVE MY SISTER AS WELL AS A SOCIAL ACTIVIST, LAWYER, AND ENTREPRENEUR
Photo © Danner
Welcome to The Buzz, a biweekly roundup of design world news and inspiration for Design Miami’s discerning community of creatives and collectors. Enjoy!

AKI + ARNAUD COOREN/ TISS-TISS BEDSIDE TABLE
Photo © Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Japanese-French duo Aki + Arnaud Cooren make their UK solo debut at Carpenters Workshop Gallery in London with Tiss-Tiss, an exquisite, experimental collection that transforms linen into metal. The designers have developed a special manufacturing process for the series, molding a silicone duplicate of an original cardboard and linen model, which is then sand-casted in aluminum and dyed in a romantic hue. The resulting works combine the textural beauty of traditional handwoven textiles with minimalistic, au courant forms. Check out the online viewing room, including a walk-through with gallery Cofounder Loïc Le Gaillard here.

T SAKHI/ LETTERS FROM BEIRUT, AT THE VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE
Photo © T SAKHI
Now in Venice: Lebanese studio T SAKHI’s Letters from Beirut is an interactive installation designed to spark dialogue and connection between Lebanese citizens and strangers. Installed at the Giardini della Marinaressa, a wall of handcrafted pouches hold messages from 2,000 Lebanese citizens written in the wake of the past year’s devastating events, as well as seeds for visitors to take home and plant in an act of solidarity and as a symbol of rebirth. Visitors are encouraged to respond to the messages and to donate to NGOs supporting Lebanese citizens. Inspired by this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale theme, “How will we live together?,” this poetic project was created in partnership with Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council and organized by European Cultural Center.

PORTRAIT OF MICHAELA SØRENSEN, A SURVIVOR OF DOMESTIC ABUSE, FROM SAVE MY SISTER, AN EXHIBITION FEATURING WORKS BY FLORAL DESIGNER POPPYKALAS AND PHOTOGRAPHER SARAH BUTHMANN, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WOMEN'S ADVOCACY GROUP DANNER
Photo © Danner
Opening this week in Copenhagen, the Save My Sister photo exhibition aims not only to increase awareness of violence against women, but also, importantly, to empower survivors of domestic abuse to create new narratives for themselves. The campaign features portraits of both survivors and activist-allies in stunning floral surroundings—the idea being that the moment a survivor tells their story, they plant the seeds for a new life. The project is a collaboration between floral design studio Poppykalas, photographer Sarah Buthmann, and women’s rights organization Danner. The show will tour Denmark all summer and is accompanied by talks and events in each city. The full series may also be viewed online here.
“Flowers are my language. In Save My Sister, the act of sharing one’s brutal story gives root to new floral universes, new beginnings. This has been one of the most touching and meaningful projects for me ever.” —Thilde Maria Haukohl Kristensen, Founder of Poppykalas

ROLF SACHS/ CHIP ON THE SHOULDER, 1999 | RICHARD WOODS/ PAINTED YELLOW WINDOW, C. 2019
Photos courtesy of ammann//projects
This week, coinciding with Gallery Weekend in London, Cologne-based ammann//gallery is launching its new UK arm, called ammann//projects. The debut exhibition can be found at Cromwell Place and includes the work of Ron Arad, Hélène Binet, Rolf Sachs, Studio Nucleo, and Richard Woods—all incredible visual storytellers. London is starting to open up, and this show offers a delightful way to celebrate.