British-Nigerian designer Mimi Shodeinde created a collection of sculptural vases called the NRIN vases. Mimi Shodeinde is known for creating pieces with an aesthetic that blends contemporary and contradictory architectural designs. Mimi Shodeinde spoke about the vases saying: "The flowing metal form of the NRIN vessels echo the softness of the female form while the mirrored finish nods to inner reflection, allowing both sides to be seen as one."
The design for the NRIN vases was inspired by the Yoruba word for female, "Obinrin." The design of the two vases represents two different meanings. The first one represents how the flowing form of the metal speaks to the female body. The second one refers to the wooden column representing strength and stability while nodding to African materiality. Additionally, the base of the vases is made with a central wooden column crafted from oil-stained ash. There is also a large piece of cast aluminum molded around the wood.
The NRIN vases will be available to purchase later this month.
Image Credit: Mimi Shodeinde
What's Driving This Trend
- African-inspired Sculptural Designs
- The fusion of traditional African designs with contemporary aesthetics could pave the way for new sculptural pieces that attract diverse buyers.
- Cultural Hybridization of Home Decor
- Integrating ethnic designs from different parts of the world into home accessories could create a new category of interior decor with a unique blend of cultural elements.
- Exploring New Material Combinations
- Experimenting with a variety of materials such as metal and wood could yield various new combinations that can add appeal to classic forms.
Who This Affects Most
- Interior Design
- Interior designers can leverage the growing interest in cultural hybridization to design eclectic and unconventional home accessories.
- Artificial Intelligence and Automation
- Automated systems can enable artisans to replicate intricate designs at scale allowing for faster and more profitable production of unique home goods.
- Fashion
- Applying the fusion of contemporary and traditional aesthetics to fashion could pave the way for a new designer fashion line of uniquely African-inspired clothing.
