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Forms & Textures Exhibition Explores the Boundary Between Art + Design

07.13.22 | By
Forms & Textures Exhibition Explores the Boundary Between Art + Design

We’re all intrigued by the boundary between art and design. Where does it lie? Does it even exist? Masquespacio, helmed by Ana Hernández and Christophe Penasse, recently set out to find it for themselves. Masquespacio is part of Mas Creations, who have been creating designs since 2010. Their Forms & Textures exhibition, that took place at Milan Design Week 2022, reflects their journey to figuring out if their work is 100% design or a mix of art and design together.

Upon seeing the neon objects that make up Forms & Textures, you might identify them as a chair, lamp, or room divider. They’re abstract, maybe a bit uncomfortable to dissect, and clearly not meant to be functional designs. But they could be. Who is responsible for defining them? The designer or the spectator? In other words, does function alone justify an object as “design” or does the reflection that went into creating the object also qualify it as art? This series of forms is meant to make us question all of that and reflect on the boundaries between the two. Each piece stands alone while also connecting to one another visually. And the contrast of textures, materials, and colors used for each represent those boundaries.

exhibition featuring neon colored forms and textures

exhibition featuring neon colored forms and textures

exhibition featuring neon colored forms and textures

exhibition featuring neon colored forms and textures

exhibition featuring neon colored forms and textures

neon colored form against a peach colored background

neon colored light form against a peach colored background

neon colored light form against a peach colored background

neon colored form against a peach colored background

neon colored form against a peach colored background

neon colored forms against a peach colored background

neon colored form against a peach colored background

two people standing and sitting in the middle of an exhibition of neon colored forms

Christophe Penasse + Ana Hernández

To learn more about Form & Textures, visit mas-creations.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.