Nadine Sterk and Lonny van Rijswijck, who together make up Atelier NL, spent months exploring the fields and agricultural particularities of the Noordoostpolder region of central Netherlands. The resulting exhibition is a rigorous yet truly beautiful presentation of their findings. The exhibition presents a collection of photographs, geological findings and clay vessels; the outcome of a research project about Noordoostpolder, a region of central Netherlands.

Atelier NL dug up the clay for her tableware from various parts of the Netherlands. Each pair of cup and saucer was made out of earth of a different origin. Baking them made this difference obvious. A variety of textures and colors among the pieces was revealed. A frosted yellow cup from Brunssum, a smooth, shiny, dark brown from Woerden, a rough terra cotta from Gilze-Rijen. The set becomes a demonstration of the unpretentious yet impressive relation between origin and identity.

Drawn From Clay emphasizes Atelier NLs sensitive and research-led approach to design. Through geological samples and photographs presented alongside their hand-thrown clay vessels made from the various soil deposits collected, Sterk and van Rijswijck address important issues of place, identity and worth.

Drawn from Clay – Noordoostpolder is an exhibition of work by the Dutch design studio Atelier NL, which opens at Gallery Libby Sellers in London, UK in March.

Photo: Paul Scala

Text : Theodora Antonopoulou

Via: Dezeen