The Unconventional Journey of Sculptural Mirrors Design
“The mirror is, after all, a utopia, since it is a placeless place,” mused Michel Foucault in 1967. Mirrors, with their unique ability to reflect reality while existing as objects within it, occupy a distinctive place in design. The creative work by French designer Jean-Baptiste Fastrez explores this duality, intertwining design with sculpture.
Over a decade, Fastrez has dedicated his creativity to reimagining mirrors, pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Reflecting on their transformative potential, he remarks, “A mirror is one of the objects that offers the greatest freedom to explore ideas somewhere between design and sculpture.” Two recent designs for the Paris-based company Moustache highlight this paradox with their unique approach to mirror design.
Avant-Garde Mirrors: Zodiac and Sphera
Fastrez’s creations for Moustache, the Zodiac and Sphera mirrors, begin with existing objects. The Zodiac mirror draws inspiration from inflatable boats, featuring what appears to be inflated tubes crafted from high-gloss ceramic. In contrast, Sphera repurposes traditional hardware used to mount mirrored walls, transforming it into oversized chrome spheres that secure mirrors in place. This design philosophy drives the innovative transformation of these objects.
“With Zodiac, I was intrigued by the idea of the fake ready-made,” Fastrez explains. His vision was precise from the outset: an inflatable boat repurposed into a floating frame for walls. “These collisions between different objects create narratives that are strong and open-ended,” he adds, emphasizing the sculptural approach that brings his vision to life.
Sphera’s inception is rooted in a visit to Carlo Mollino’s Turin house, where mirrors were held by small chrome fittings. Fastrez saw an opportunity to amplify their presence, turning personal observations into captivating design. “I wanted these elements to have a stronger presence, increasing their size and transforming them into sculptural pieces,” he notes, highlighting his unique approach to mirror design.
The Mirror as Structure
Fastrez’s work subverts conventional ideas by using glass as a structural component rather than merely a surface. Zodiac’s ceramic frame forms half a ring, with reflections completing the illusion of floating tubes. Glass not only contributes to but becomes essential to the object’s construction, almost making the design itself disappear.
Sphera’s chrome and mirror assembly epitomizes this deliberate subversion. Fastrez regards ornament as an integral function, rather than mere decoration, arguing, “A mirror’s role isn’t just to reflect; it decorates and defines a space’s character and narrative.”
Similarly, explore how Tom Pearson transforms metalwork into artistic furniture that challenges traditional design norms.
Ornament and Function
, suggesting that ornament can be as crucial as function. “Zodiac and Sphera are functionalist, with forms that follow their ornamental function,” he asserts. By leveraging existing narratives, these designs redefine the roles of ornament and functionality.
“If we accept ornament as a function in its own right,” Fastrez posits, “these pieces become functionalist objects, where form follows their unique ornamental roles.”
This innovative approach destabilizes long-held views, suggesting a fresh perspective on how objects serve more than their primary functions.
Project Information:
Name: Zodiac and Sphera
Designer: Jean-Baptiste Fastrez | @jeanbaptistefastrez
Company: Moustache | @moustache_editions
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Zodiac and Sphera mirrors?
The Zodiac and Sphera mirrors were designed by Jean-Baptiste Fastrez.
What inspired the design of the Zodiac mirror?
The design of the Zodiac mirror was inspired by inflatable boats, featuring inflated tubes crafted from high-gloss ceramic.
How does Fastrez use ornament in his mirror designs?
Fastrez regards ornament as an integral function, suggesting that ornament can be as crucial as function. By leveraging existing narratives, he redefines the roles of ornament and functionality.
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