The Orb Wall Mirror
The Orb Wall Mirror is a decorative piece by Caroline Chao that serves as an optical focal point within any space. Designed to interact with the viewer’s perception in multiple ways, its convex surface distorts reflections, allowing observers to see themselves from a third-person perspective.
Developed from a fascination with human perception of space, the Orb explores how objects can spark curiosity about the mechanics of seeing. It functions as a “seeing and viewing machine,” constantly changing based on the angle of view and providing a fascinating array of optical effects. Unlike static pieces of furniture or art, the Orb is dynamic, evolving with its surroundings and prompting viewers to question and explore the nature of their own perception.
The Orb features a central circular mirror that is geometrically a full dome, reflecting a 360-degree view of its environment. This design encapsulates an entire room into a single, cohesive view. Upon close inspection, a thin black circular line can be seen just inside the outline of the domed mirror, representing the black outer frame of the piece, originally a square, now distorted into a perfect circle by the dome.
The Orb is part of the VIEW Collection, a series of reflective sculptural furniture and lighting pieces. This five-piece collection is meticulously crafted to merge functionality with artistic innovation, transforming everyday objects into interactive visual experiences.
The VIEW Collection encourages observers to discover hidden beauty within internal views, inspiring a new way of seeing. Each piece in the collection generates dynamic reflections and color phenomena that shift and evolve with the viewer’s perspective, creating an ever-changing canvas of views and reflections.
Challenging traditional perceptions of furniture, the VIEW Collection incorporates elements of optics and dynamic interaction. Each piece is designed to produce unexpected visual effects, encouraging viewers to engage with their surroundings. From subtle shifts in color with changing sunlight angles to captivating reflections that multiply and distort, every encounter with these pieces offers a unique and immersive experience.
All images courtesy of Caroline Chao
