PLATTSBURGH, NY –- A Schonbek crystal chandelier will be on display at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City December 8, 2006-July 29, 2007. But only those in the know will notice.
Hot young designer Tobias Wong adapted the Schonbek chandelier to his own purposes, in a startling reinvention of the form. His design is sponsored by world famous crystal manufacturer Swarovski AG.
Wong is famous for reconstituting other people’s designs, and ending up with a “paraconcept” that shocks the art world, excites collectors and makes headlines.
He’s worked with crystal chandeliers before, dipping them in industrial white rubber. This time Wong made no changes to the crystal chandelier, aside from cutting off its top and hiding it inside a giant black shade.
How does Schonbek feel about the reconstitution of its design?
“It’s fun,” said Schonbek Creative Director Eileen Schonbek Beer. “The crystal chandelier is a cultural icon, and the ultimate symbol of luxurious living. If a talented young designer like Tobias Wong takes possession of it, and breaks some rules with it, that’s refreshing. It only underscores the power of the form.”
And sure enough, Wong claims to be a champion of tradition, even as he plays with it. “My work is all about tradition,” said Wong, “and bringing it into a new context.” He often refers to his art as “paraconceptual,” not an intellectual exercise but rather an aesthetic experience.
“I find it interesting,” said Beer, “that the Schonbek slogan is ‘Beyond Lighting,’ and that Tobias Wong likes to go beyond concept. It seems very fitting that our paths have crossed.”
View schematic of Tobias Wong design
