the shanghai-based contrast gallery is currently collaborating with dutch designer jurgen bey
and architect rianne makkink’s studio makkink & bey. the studio is re-inventing traditional
chinese art and craft techniques with its highly conceptual ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ series.

cleanliness is next to godliness inspired by the beauty and optimism of chinese propaganda posters, the studio has re-imagined propaganda for the overlooked world of cleaning by using precious chinese porcelain, silk fabrics, woodwork, and reverse inside painting. cleaning cabinets are made luxurious,composed of chinese silk fabric boxes, which can be self-assembled on top of a wooden base. they are filled with gloves and aprons embroidered with cleaning ladies and other helpers, a delicate porcelain mop, broom, and dustpan with hand-sculpted details, and other surprises.

contrast gallery is committed to cross-cultural exchange and hosts a residency program, under the auspices of which international artists and designers are invited to china to investigate traditional chinese craftsmanship, materials, or imagery. by combining these time-honored methods with contemporary ideas and forms, these artists and designers can create new works that reflect contemporary china. contrast gallery http://www.contrastgallery.com jurgen bey http://www.jurgenbey.nl

studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
studio makkink & jurgen bey at contrast gallery in design miami / basel 2008
jurgen bey,
portrait © designboom