FLARE by Draga & Aurel: A Dazzling Symphony of Lucite Brilliance and Light Refraction
FLARE, the latest capsule collection by the acclaimed Draga & Aurel, is a mesmerizing exploration of color and light refraction through the innovative use of Lucite, an original acrylic material. Premiering at Design Miami/ and Salon Art + Design in New York, the collection consists of seven variants of coffee tables and a totem-sculpture, showcasing the duo’s mastery in crafting unique, multifaceted objects that come “alive” through a meticulous study of materials.
FLARE is exclusively available at the Todd Merrill Studio in New York, underscoring the exclusivity and sophistication of this collection. Crafted entirely from Lucite, the coffee tables and totem-sculpture are the result of Draga & Aurel’s collaboration with the finest artisans on Lake Como, Italy. Renowned globally for their expertise in epoxy resin, the duo’s foray into Lucite involved a handcrafted process, setting a new standard in material manipulation.
Inspired by the three-dimensionality of color studied by South Korean artist Jiyong Lee and the compositional technique employed by Vasa Mihich in his acrylic sculptures, Draga & Aurel focused on the concept of refraction. Through a thoughtful arrangement of colored Lucite sheets in varying shapes and thicknesses, the artists achieved a captivating interplay of hues. The meticulous cutting and gluing process results in each piece emitting a surprising beam of light—an artistic epiphany for the viewer.
The FLARE collection represents a groundbreaking fusion of intuition, revelation, and discovery. From every angle, these objects change dynamically, providing a multifaceted viewing experience. The concept of a flare is embodied in these pieces, reflecting the duo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and design.
About Draga & Aurel:
Founded in 2007 by Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow, Draga & Aurel is a multidisciplinary studio and workshop known for its expertise in art, collectible design, and furnishing items. Combining backgrounds in art, fashion, and craftsmanship, the duo gained prominence through pioneering upcycling in the design sector. Notable projects include collaborations with prestigious furniture companies such as Baxter, Wall&Deco, Visionnaire, and Gallotti&Radice.
In 2019, Draga & Aurel astonished audiences at Milan Design Week with the Transparency Matters collection, exploring the significance of transparency in art and design. Acclaimed by the press, the collection garnered attention from renowned galleries like Rossana Orlandi and Nilufar Galleries in Europe, as well as Todd Merrill in America.
Draga & Aurel website: https://draga-aurel.com/
