Judy Straten is pleased to announce the first gallery presentation of Ka-Lai Chan’s most recent production SheLLf.
This young designer’s work is informed by personal experiences, emotions, observations and the beauty of the unexpected. The contrast between artificial and natural materials is characteristic for objects designed Ka-Lai Chan. Her shapes are often organic, patterned and continuous.
SheLLf, image courtesy Ka-Lai Chan
Completed in early 2011 and premiered on this year’s Object Rotterdam, the title of her latest product SheLLf is in fact a linguistic and conceptual amalgamation of ‘shell’ and ‘shelf’. Like a shell, it undulates from flatness to depth, creating a dynamic space. Made of separate compartments that are arranged in a gently increasing and decreasing way, it seems as if the shelf is crawling across the wall, literally growing out of the wall, like an animal crawling out of its shell. SheLLf is autobiographical and refers to the past of its designer, who was quiet and rather introverted as a girl slowly opening herself to the world through her designs.
SheLLf, image courtesy Ka-Lai Chan
The cabinet’s outside has a perfectly smooth, glossy black mirror-like textured surface. Inside, a rough reddish, grainy, untreated wood creates a startling contrast. SheLLf has no doors or drawers; it is open and has nothing to hide. It allows every visitor a view into the personal life of its owner. SheLLf is available in three sizes: small (124 x 74cm), medium (217 x 130cm) and large (311 x 223cm).
SheLLf, image courtesy Ka-Lai Chan
+ About Ka-Lai Chan
Ka-Lai Chan (*1985, NL) graduated in 2009 from Utrecht School of the Arts. After graduating she started her own product design studio, specializing in interior products. Since autumn 2010, Chan is being mentored by Richard Hutten.
SheLLf is made possible by Kastwerk. Kastwerk designs and realizes custom-made furniture.
+ Designer: Ka-Lai Chan | http://www.kalaichan.nl
+ All images courtesy Ka-Lai Chan
+ Works by Ka-Lai Chan featured on +MOOD
“Selfportrait” Chair | Ka-Lai Chan