Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 34
Occupation: Interior architect, graphic designer, and furniture designer.
Instagram: @pangilai
Hometown: Antwerp.
Studio location: Brooklyn.
Describe what you make: I make furniture pieces with a sensibility to volume and mass, rhythmical articulation, and contour. All pieces are functional, but can have the appearance of being non-functional. This playful duality reiterates the concept of “art/design is subjective” and can be interpreted however the viewer/user sees fit. The sculptural aspect allows each piece to be utilized for showcase/aesthetic pleasure, but if function is the intention, they have the ability to exist in both residential and non-residential spaces.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: There’s no “one” standout piece—all seven bodies of work exist and interact collectively within their space.
Describe the problem your work solves: I wouldn’t necessarily give my body of work the label of “problem-solving.” However, the idea of bridging the gap between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation plays a significant role in my work and with this I hope to spark a new perspective and insight that encourages fresh discourse and conversation within design. Perhaps this could also be an opportunity for viewers to look inwards at their own heritage, upbringing, and cultural landscape.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m already thinking about future furniture pieces. I’m thinking about different scales, functions, and purposes.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: “HUE/AM/I – HUE/I/AM” at Superhouse. The title mirrors the ambiguity and interpretation of my work and identity. “HUE” refers to the aspect of colors and gradation of shades that speak to the attribution of my heritage, the discernment of cross-culture, and the dependence of ancestral storytelling.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: Music and matcha.
What you do when you’re not working: Read, cook for my partner and friends, run, take long walks, repot plants on our apartment deck, visit museums, listen to music, hop on the back of my partner’s motorcycle and ride to the beach.
Sources of creative envy: I mostly admire Thaddeus Mosley, Agustin Cardenas, David Adjaye, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frida Kahlo, Clara Porset, Magdalene Odundo, Wendell Castle, JB Blunk, Pierre Chapo, Serge Gainsbourg, Prince, Marvin Gaye.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Social media.
Concrete or marble? Concrete.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark or light? Light.
