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UK military tactics an inspiration for designer
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WHO is he?
Tobias Rehberger, 2009 winner of the Venice Biennale’s Golden Lion, is one of the most prominent German contemporary artists today. He attended the Städelschule in Frankfurt and has showcased a number of noteworthy space projects since the ‘90s. With sculptures, industrial objects and handcrafted articles, Rehberger explores the wider sphere of structural design and architecture, thriving on chance connections and unexpected encounters.
Tell us about some of your works, and name the one you are most proud of.
One of my iconic projects is the installation at the 53th Venice Biennial in 2009 — Was du liebst, bringt dich auchzum Weinen (What you love also makes you cry), which implemented line motif with neon coloring into the cafeteria space.
The installation has won the Golden Lion Award. The “Dazzle” camouflage concept featured prominently in this award-winning artwork, is also apparent in my collaboration with MCM this year.
The “Dazzle” camouflage concept was inspired by a camouflage military tactic used by the British navy during World War I, which entailed painting the entire surface of a battleship in bold geometric patterns that made the ships extremely hard to target.
The tactic created an optical illusion and obscured the vessel’s form, resulting in the ability to avert enemy attacks. I took inspiration from concealing the identity of something using bold shapes and colors, and presents the audience with a visual paradox.
Are you currently involved in any project?
Yes. I just designed an art space at MCM Hong Kong boutique. When MCM approached me about a possible collaboration I wasn’t sure whether I should do it or not because fashion brands hadn’t been on my radar. However, I changed my mind when some of my young, fashion-conscious assistants reacted extremely enthusiastic after I mentioned the brand.
I covered the whole store in my “Dazzle” camouflage motif, which challenges the standard of what a space, store, or product is expected to be. While the flagship store exhibits my design aesthetic, the space continues to function as a store. Thus, the store does not only offer spectators an artwork to gaze at, but also provides a space where art and retail merge into one.
The exhibition remains open to the public until May 2 and can also be experienced at Seoul, Frankfurt and Shanghai.
Describe your design style.
It would be a bit narrow to just describe visual ambiguity and confusion as my signature style. I do a lot of work that has nothing to do with dazzle camouflage, but that side of my work became relatively known through the work at the Venice biennial.
Where are you most creative?
I am interested in using strategies from one field in another one. But my main interest is always what does it mean for the production of art and what does it mean for the way we think about art today. I am interested in differences.
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