Form Meets Function

Belgian artist-designers Muller Van Severen, the duo of Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen, have captivated the design world for over a decade by straddling the line between art and functional design. Their first solo exhibition at Tim Van Laere Gallery in Antwerp, Frames (October 10 – November 23, 2024), blurs the boundaries between sculpture and daily objects.

The gallery space is transformed into a total installation for ‘Frames’, with every work originating from the same method. A single metal plate is folded and cut to create sculptural, three-dimensional forms. Muller Van Severen infuse their pieces with functionality. The result is an interesting blend of artistic abstraction and practical functionality.

Objects like mirrors, desks, and lamps are given new roles, combining practical use with sculptural qualities. This fusion of art and design is reminiscent of artists of artists like Gordon Matta-Clark, whose projects blurred the lines between art, architecture, and public space. Piece like ‘Frame 17’ and ‘Frame 20’ directly nod to Kazimir Malevich’s bold geometric shapes.

For Muller Van Severen, the boundaries between art disciplines are fluid. They commit to break down the distinction between art and design, allowing to explore new possibilities. Whether their work is labeled as ‘design’ or ‘art’, for the duo it is all about creating functional objects with soul. This ethos echoes throughout the Frames series, where the pieces are designed to be lived with, not just observed.

Their creations invite use and interaction. This hands-on approach builds on the legacy of Franz West, who similarly challenged to engage physically with his art. Muller Van Severen embraces the beauty of wear and tear, believing that the marks left by everyday use only add to the story and character of the objects they create. This view disrupts the conventional expectation of design objects remaining flawless and static.

Since their debut in 2011 with their first piece, ‘Table + Lamp’, Muller Van Severen has evolved into a globally recognized force in the art and design world. Their collaborations range from high-end brands like Hermès and Kvadrat to international galleries like Galerie Kreo and Massimo de Carlo. Yet, despite their international acclaim, the duo remains grounded in an artisanal approach, focusing on handcrafting their pieces and experimenting with new forms and materials. Their journey has always been about pushing creative limits, and their partnership with Tim Van Laere Gallery, which began in 2023, marks a fresh chapter in their artistic evolution. ‘Frames’ is the first result of this new creative freedom, offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of Muller Van Severen.

‘Frames’ is a reflection of Muller Van Severen’s artistic approach: art should not be confined to a gallery or museum—it should be lived with, touched, and experienced in daily life. Their objects, whether furniture or sculpture, challenge us to rethink our relationship with the spaces and things around us. This gives a new vision of how art and design can coexist. As their work continues to evolve, Muller Van Severen proves that functional objects can possess the soul and meaning of art.