Rhode Island School of Design’s Furniture Design Department presents RISDXMABEO 2019 in Milan

The department of Furniture Design at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is pleased to present RISDXMABEO 2019 at Ventura Projects in Milan.

Debuting as part of the second edition of Ventura Future during Milan Design Week, the exhibition is the outcome of an external partnership between the Department of Furniture Design at RISD and Mabeo Furniture in Botswana.

Ventura Future
April 9–14, 2019

Room L located in the Ventura Future Hotel, via Bergognone 34, Milan
Tuesday, April 9 – Saturday, April 13, 9:30am – 8:00pm

Wednesday April 10 (opening evening), 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Sunday, April 14, 9:30am – 6:00pm

Thirteen juniors, seniors and graduate students in the program participated in a research elective taught by Assistant Professor Patty Johnson. Working with Johnson and designer Peter Mabeo to unpack notions of cultural identity within the realm of contemporary art and design, they explored the critical role of human dynamics and designed work shaped by personal interaction and theory. Through the process, students also learned about emerging territories for craft and design practice and how craft can be a catalyst for social and economic development.

In addition, the partnership offered students the opportunity to design unique work that was prototyped in Botswana by Mabeo Furniture.

“The RISD students were presented with a unique opportunity to create work in collaboration with Peter Mabeo,” noted Patricia Johnson, assistant professor and graduate program director. “Through Peter’s quiet insistence that relationships are at the core of all product design, and that through this comes sensitive and meaningful work, the students gained a deeper understanding of exchange and cross-cultural collaboration. The results speak for themselves.”

Mabeo Furniture
Mabeo is a furniture and accessories brand based in Botswana, Africa. Launching internationally in 2006 after 10 years of making bespoke furniture for local commercial projects, Mabeo has consistently engaged the design world since then, collaborating with some of the best designers on significant projects and developing a growing collection of products.

The aim of the brand is to make the work of African artisans available to the world in a considered way and to reflect certain qualities: an essential simplicity of form, an idea of purity, the conscientious use and handling of natural materials, the dedication of the craftsmen and women and the sensitivity of the collaborating designer to the rich aesthetic heritage of Africa.

Designers include Inès Bressand, Francesco Faccin, Patty Johnson, Mabeo Studio, Luca Nichetto, Garth Roberts, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Patricia Urquiola and Vincent Van Duysen.

About the Department of Furniture Design at RISD
Students in the Furniture Design department at RISD embark on a course of study encompassing theory, skills, context, research and professional practices. Drawing from a rich tradition, they are encouraged to experiment and work with a wide range of emerging materials and technologies, developing individual voices through the process of making. The program emphasizes the principles and practice of furniture design as well as the social value of art, design and responsible citizenship.

About Rhode Island School of Design

The mission of RISD (pronounced “RIZ-dee”), through its college and museum, is to educate students and the public in the creation and appreciation of works of art and design, to discover and transmit knowledge and to make lasting contributions to a global society through critical thinking, scholarship and innovation. Our immersive model of art and design education emphasizes robust liberal arts studies and conceptually driven studio-based learning in full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs across 19 majors. RISD’s exceptional faculty foster student growth and development in extensive specialized facilities, enabling students to become confident, cross-disciplinary thinkers and nimble problem-solvers ready to confront the complexities of global practice in the 21st century. More than 27,000 alumni worldwide testify to the impact of a RISD education, exemplifying the vital role artists and designers play in defining global innovation. Founded in 1877, RISD and the RISD Museum help make Providence, RI among the most culturally active and creative cities in the region. For more information, visit risd.edu and our.risd.edu.

Contact: Abby Addams