The Atelier van Lieshout, fuonded in 1995, is an artistic group, based in Rotterdam, which creates interactive artworks, both massive installations and modest sculptures which play with the concept of absence/presence of people. Atelier's designs demonstrate that the human body has been mainly regarded in terms of the function it performs. Far from an isolated unit, the body exists as a set of exchanges, where the biological meets the mechanical, where the organic fuses with the architectural.
Given Atelier's approach, it should come as no surprise that Joep van Lishout has decided to create an illy collection with elements that bring to mind the vital elements.
Atelier's drawings present the cup as an extension of the body, an appendage for the organs activated by the drinking action.
His elaborate drawings show the physical components that give birth to four vital processes: the digestive, reproductive, blood and nervous system.
Inspired by anatomy, Atelier's drawings hold up a mirror to the spectator and offer an intimate portrait of the metamorphosis that is set off by the process of drinking: when the mouth meets the hot cup, it tests the temperature with an inquisitive sip, drinks the coffee and then swallows it, while the brain and the blood system feel the positive effects of such an experience.
This eclectic collection by Joep van Lieshout artistically interprets the four systems of the human body involved in drinking coffee. Each signed and numbered cup is decorated with a symbolic representation of one of the systems and each saucer is ringed with colorful little men. The collection is also available in a limited Special Edition with decorated serving tray.
Dutch artist Joep van Lieshout is founder of Atelier van Lieshout, a collaborative workshop known for quirky, bright furniture and sculptural works of art made from industrial materials such as fiberglass and polyester. Among his sculptures are colorful human figures in various postures, and a complete series of human organs such as the heart, brain and liver.
In occasion of the sixth Art Rotterdam (24-28 February 2005 - Cruise Terminal Rotterdam), illycaffè presented the illy collection set designed by the Atelier Van Lieshout.
Atelier Van Lieshout, fuonded by Joep van Lieshout in 1995, is an artistic group in Rotterdam which creates interactive artworks, both massive installations and modest sculptures which play with the concept of absence/presence of people. Atelier's designs demonstrate that the human body has been mainly regarded in terms of a function it performs. Far from an isolated unit, the body exists as a set of exchanges, where the biological meets the mechanical, where the organic fuses with the architectural.
Given Atelier's approach, it should come as no surprise that Joep van Lieshout has decided to create an illy collection with elements that bring to mind the vital elements.
The AVL illy collection set was released as a regular set with four signed and numbered cups, a can of coffee and a brochure.