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The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Series Reverses Course on Trash

05.25.23 | By
The EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Series Reverses Course on Trash

While NYCxDesign 2023 is exploding with design talent this month, an emerging name that stood out to us is Madeline Isakson, who made her New York debut at WantedDesign’s Launch Pad. With a passion for exploring materials and the multitude of objects that can be created from what’s left behind, Isakson transforms found materials into pieces that explore consumer culture. Out of 68 participants, she was selected as one of six finalists to feature their work in Launch Pad’s Emerging Designer Showcase.

At Launch Pad, she shared two new pieces from her ongoing EPS [Expanded Polystyrene] Series: a chair and a floor lamp. “The goal of this series is to rethink the possibilities of what we formerly considered ‘trash’ and create a new domestic aesthetic that sees beauty and humor in the mundane,” she explained.

modern aluminum chair

Utilizing found styrofoam and aluminum, Isakson creates what she describes as “monolithic detritus.” To make the sculptural yet functional pieces work, she spends time collecting discarded styrofoam packaging, then puzzles each object together following an intuitive process. Within the negative space that’s been created, it’s cast in aluminum, making what was once negative and empty the opposite – useful and significant. Isakson adds various other elements, such as a seat cushion or LED light, to add further purpose.

modern aluminum chair

“We are all aware of the problems created by our culture of consumerism,” Isakson notes. “The goal of this series is to rethink the possibilities of what we formerly considered ‘trash’ and create a new domestic aesthetic that sees beauty and humor in the mundane.”

Throughout Isakson’s work lies an exploration of value and consumerism. Styrofoam is an extremely fitting material – it’s one of the world’s largest pollutants that makes up more than 30% of landfill volume worldwide. Her hope is that through her work, viewers and users rethink the lifecycle of the things we consume without thought on a daily basis.

modern aluminum chair

modern aluminum chair

modern aluminum chair and lamp

modern aluminum lamp

modern aluminum lamp

detail of modern aluminum lamp

detail of modern aluminum lamp

modern aluminum chair and lamp

light-skinned woman wearing jeans and a t-shirt stands with her hand on her hip in the middle of her studio

Madeline Isakson

To learn more about Madeline Isakson, visit madelineisakson.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.