Etage Projects is delighted to present Alien Workshop, a new solo exhibition by renowned Swedish designer Fredrik Paulsen, running from November 1 to December 23, 2024. Celebrated for his bold experimentation with color, form, and material, Paulsen continues to redefine the boundaries between art and design, crafting pieces that inspire and provoke thought.
Having collaborated with Etage Projects for nearly a decade, Paulsen has captivated audiences with his previous collections, including the acclaimed Prism Collection, Stoned, and Anodized. Each exhibition has showcased his commitment to innovative design, merging traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic.
In Alien Workshop, Paulsen introduces a new body of work that further explores his fascination with color and texture through his brand, JOY Objects. The exhibition features tables adorned with richly pigmented, fluid surfaces, reminiscent of the vibrant patterns found in nature—particularly the striking markings of poisonous frogs in tropical rainforests. These pieces exemplify Paulsen’s ability to blend art with functionality, inviting viewers to engage with their surroundings in new and dynamic ways.
Accompanying the tables are stools crafted from raw aluminum, featuring anti-slip surfaces designed for durability in high-traffic environments. These stools reflect the same ethos as Paulsen’s previous designs, transforming everyday materials into extraordinary objects while maintaining a rugged yet refined aesthetic.
The exhibition also includes limited-edition transparent acrylic chairs, which have previously featured in a performance by avant-garde artist FKA Twigs during London Fashion Week, blurring the lines between design and performance art. A striking chandelier serves as a centerpiece of the show, combining delicate glass elements with heavy metal chains, harmonizing brutalist aesthetics with an elegance that draws inspiration from science fiction.
Through this diverse array of works, Paulsen challenges traditional notions of design, creating pieces that resonate with contemporary life while offering a sense of wonder. Alien Workshop invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with everyday objects, encouraging a dialogue between the functional and the fantastical.
Go to artist page: Fredrik Paulsen
