“Claiming the Reclaimed” A furniture exhibition @ Speedy Grandma Gallery BANGKOK

Following their recent solo exhibition at Swing Gallery, Bologna, Italy and a few other places in Milan, Paris and New York, 56thStudio; a Bangkok-­‐based design studio, has returned with yet another venture. By teaming up with one of the Biggest aluminium manufacturer Tienchai, the collaborative unit has launched a one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐ kind furniture brand under the name CAST.

CAST appreciates unique characters of nature such as the delicacy of rotten leaves, raw and unrefined wood, organic shapes of the rocks by the river and reimagines them in a stylish and urban fashion through a manipulation of aluminium casting and a mix of materials.

From Friday 6th of September to Friday 4th of October, CAST proudly presents the debutorial collection “Claiming the Reclaimed,” at Speedy Grandma; an art gallery hidden in the older part of Bangkok and surrounded by underground casino and vibrant community karaoke bar slash street food kiosk.

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“Claiming the Reclaimed” by 56thStudio for CAST

Walls, ponds, rocks, trees and flowers constitute essential elements in the carefully composed Chinese gardens. The collection is inspired by such components and how they are orchestrated together poetically like a landscape painting. Through a manipulation of various casting and finishing techniques, the collection explores recycled aluminum and gives the material new perspectives.

Embracing the rustic nature together with adding them a futuristic and sleek twist, “Claiming the Reclaimed” plays with not only the contrast of materials, but also the definitions of raw against refined, crude against cultivated.

While unpolished aluminum leaves a charming patina the impression of aged stones, the polished ones give shiny reflection reminiscent of ponds. Casted in metal, a bark of tree appears even more primitive and rough than usual. Reclaimed wood, on the contrary, reveals delicate thin lines unearthing its refined character.

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In collaboration with “Yuan,” a still life photo series by Saran Yen Panya

*Yuan is a distinctive character of ancient Chinese gardens which were large enclosed parks where hunting games for kings and nobles were held, fruits and vegetables were grown. Yuan can also refer to a small picture of such garden. It is usually enclosed in a square to represent a wall along with other numerous