‘cirrata’ by markus johansson

named after the suborder containing octopi, the ‘cirrata’ lamp series by swedish designer markus johansson adopts the form of the sea creatures in a project that stretches the conventions of the use of corian polymer surface.

johansson explored many materials and techniques in developing that which he finally used for ‘cirrata’. in the pieces, the heat-formable corian is molded on wooden bases to attain its unusual shape. in his description of the project, johansson states:

 
‘unexpected experiences and surprises wait deep down on the ocean floor: a body with many arms which sweeps along and lights up the depth. Arrogant and presumptuous, there is no doubt about who is the ruler down here. a lonely but nevertheless unafraid character with forms born out of the resemblance to other inhabitants of the deep depths. sometimes still, sometimes alive, all depending on occasion and company. the character is ‘cirrata’, a glowing lamp in the darkness of the ocean.‘
 
markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 2 two differently sized models of the lamp

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 3 ‘cirrata’ in use

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 4 left: ‘cirrata’ prototype in colour; right: installation view of the piece

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 5 the corian material, cut but prior to being molded into shape

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 6 prototype models

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 7 produced in a range of colours, corian was molded in different ways to create these prototypes

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 8 wooden molds used to form the piece

markus johansson: cirrata octopus lamp - 9 the shaping process