COS + phillip k. smith III reveal reflective 'open sky' installation in milan

‘open sky’, the atmospheric, large-scale sculptural installation by phillip k. smith III for COS, has been revealed in milan’s palazzo isimbardi, inviting visitors to experience a new dimension of the city. presented during milan design week, the artwork transforms the historic courtyard into physical ring of reflected sky through carefully-angled mirrored planes. ‘my work is inspired by the constant shifts in light, colour and form that are presented in the natural and built environment,’ says smith III. ‘it was exciting to work with COS on an open brief within the inspiring architectural landscape of milan. the specific site conditions of palazzo isimbardi afforded me an opportunity to reframe the historic architecture while meshing it with the enveloping beauty of the milanese sky.’

watch our talk with phillip k. smith III!

all images by lance gerber, courtesy of COS

each visitor to the palazzo is invited to create their own experience around ‘open sky’, engaging with the sculpture as it reflects different fragments of the city throughout the day. approaching the core of the installation, the angle of reflection shifts and the architecture dynamically draws away from sight like a curtain, opening up the sky. ‘at COS, we have been inspired by the way phillip k. smith III life works interact with their natural surroundings allowing us to experience spaces in unique new ways and are thrilled to share open sky with the public,’ karin gustafsson. creative director of COS says. ‘we cannot wait to see how the visitors respond to his work in this exciting new location. it is an honour for us to collaborate with such talented creatives who reshape the way we see the world around us and from who we derive so much of our inspiration at COS.’

designboom is excited to collaborate with COS for the second year by co-hosting an evening in conversation with the artist. the event will be hosted by designboom editor kieron marchese at palazzo isimbardi — corso monforte, 35 — on thursday april 19 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm, and will also be streamed live on designboom’s facebook. guests in milan will have the chance to experience the installation during a drinks reception, and pose their questions to the artist during a Q&A session with the audience.

in the palazzo’s adjoining english garden, smith III has installed five free-standing reflective sculptures that refract sampled views of the green space. horizontally and vertically folded reflective layers mirror arrangements of the surrounding architecture and the sky overhead. inspired by these works, the artist has also devised a series of smaller scale window displays at select COS stores that shift the world of reflection to the milanese streetscape.