matali crasset: volte face

matali crasset sitting in her ‘volte face’ chair portrait © designboom

‘volte face’, a series of masks by matali crasset is part of her research on functionality. here crasset shows figuratively and literally that when you ‘drop the mask’, one’s true self appears. conceptually, ‘volte-face’ presents the coexistence of two identities for the same object; by turning it around (in french, ‘faire volte face’), you switch from one state to the other and, in this case, also from one function to another.

this duality represents two central and complementary aspects of the designed masks. first, the symbolic aspect which is showcased by its convex shape. its form when facing outward represents an invitation to the supernatural, helping to reveal what may be hidden. the second is the domestic aspect which is represented by the concave side of crasset’s pieces. here the shape becomes suitable for everyday use. physical rather than metaphysical, it is now a container that may hold anything. it can be used as an offerings cup or an object for ‘face to face’ exchanges. the shape of the object is determined by the use that is given to it.

‘volte face’ chair translates the same conceptual themes of the mask projected on to a seating unit with a similar concave/ concave forms. image © designboom

‘volte face’ is being presented as part of milan design week 2010 at galleria luisa delle piane.

image © designboom

image © designboom

‘volte face’ masks produced in different variations image © designboom

‘volte face 3’ as a container image © designboom

‘volte face 3’ detail image © designboom

‘volte face 1’ detail image © designboom

‘volte face 1’ detail image © designboom

‘volte face 2’ detail image © designboom

‘volte face 4’ detail image © designboom

‘volte face 4’ detail image © designboom

‘volte face 4’ detail image © designboom

poster design of graphically represented masks showcased at ‘volte face’ exhibition

detail

poster design showcasing the different application of ‘volte face’ masks as form of concealing identity.

image © designboom

image © designboom

matali crasset portrait © designboom