Venus Bestek
The 'Venus van Willendorf' figurine is a world famous sculpture found in Austria in 1908. The figurine dates from the period between 24,000 and 22,000 BC. Unfortunately, only limited information is available about the origin, production process and cultural significance of this statue. Although not a realistic depiction, this image is thought to represent an idealization of femininity. In addition, the statue has no pedestal and it is assumed that it was made to hold.
humans cannot but idealize through the making of objects. But what makes someone, or something an idol? And what is the difference between an object for worship on a pedestal and an object for worship through use?
The Venus Cutlery is a series of images inspired by (the assumption of) the 'usefulness' of Venus van Willendorf. In this set we see a glass, spoon, fork, knife, bowl and carafe. Bronze melted metal is fused with green transparent plastic as an accent.
Where the bodies are inspired by the Venus of Willendorf, the way of sculpture is speculated to be inspired by the Dutch lobe style: consisting of organic forms, sometimes asymmetrical, resembling the inside of a shell or human ear, mixed with fantastic motifs such as sea creatures or masks, which gradually merge into the background.
The soft and flowing shapes make a molten impression. Although the style was applied to various types of utensils and sculptures, for example frames for paintings, furniture and gravestones, the style was mainly used for silverware. Floating was the most commonly used manufacturing technique, which influenced the fluid design language.
