Overview
British designer duo Isabel Gibson and Helen Chesner, operating under the studio name Isabel + Helen, presented an exhibition of kinetic models titled 'Motion Sickness.' The display, which took place in The Conran Shop's gallery, was part of the London Design Festival. The exhibition highlighted the designers' stated 'obsession with movement,' featuring various devices such as spinning orbs, flapping wings, and wheeled mechanisms. This event coincided with the tenth anniversary of the establishment of their London-based art and design studio.
Research Context
The exhibition 'Motion Sickness' by Isabel + Helen is situated within the broader context of the London Design Festival. The event served as a public showcase for the design studio's work, specifically focusing on kinetic art forms. Isabel + Helen, founded by Isabel Gibson and Helen Chesner, has been active in the art and design sector for a decade, with their studio based in London.
Approach
Isabel + Helen utilized kinetic models as their primary medium for the 'Motion Sickness' exhibition. The designers incorporated specific types of moving elements into their models. These included:
- Spinning orbs
- Flapping wings
- Wheeled devices
The collection was presented in The Conran Shop's gallery space.
Findings
The 'Motion Sickness' exhibition observed the following characteristics and elements:
- The models presented were explicitly described as 'kinetic models.'
- The collection included 'colourful' kinetic models.
- Featured mechanisms included 'spinning orbs,' 'flapping wings,' and 'wheeled devices.'
- The designers, Isabel Gibson and Helen Chesner, expressed an 'obsession with movement,' which was showcased through these models.
- The exhibition occurred at The Conran Shop's gallery.
- It was part of the London Design Festival.
- The event coincided with the ten-year milestone since the founding of their London-based art and design studio, Isabel + Helen.
Why This Matters
This exhibition provides a public demonstration of Isabel + Helen's work over a decade in kinetic art and design. The display of diverse kinetic mechanisms within a gallery setting during a major design festival highlights contemporary approaches to design and movement.