Formafantasma bases Anticipation exhibition on Lexus car

Formafantasma bases Anticipation exhibition on Lexus concept car

Milan 2016: Italian duo Formafantasma have created a trio of installations that reference the form and materials of Japanese car brand Lexus' LF-FC concept model (+ slideshow).

Lexus Formafantasma exhibition space — Formafantasma has created three installations that reference car brand Lexus, including circle of metal stools featuring in one room of the exhibition

The Anticipation exhibition is being held in a former metal factory, and represents the "fusion of machine, craftsmanship and tradition" according to the Amsterdam-based designers.

One room features a circle of metal stools, made from panels that have been finished in the same paint process applied to the LF-FC car, which was revealed at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Colours were layered by both hand and machine – borrowing on traditional Japanese lacquering techniques – and change between grey and blue, depending on the light.

A second room houses an installation that has been designed to reference Japan's early textile industry. A large metal framework holds thousands of threads with coloured sections, which recreate the shape of the LF-FC when a mechanism moves up the frame to stretch them.

The piece is held in a light-filled room, surrounded by wood and paper screens similar to those found in Japanese buildings.

Formafantasma's third installation uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to power four large stainless steel pieces, shaped like giant off-centre clock faces. Each of the items moves slowly to create a "subtle choreography", while a supporting reflective pink platform hides the power source.

"The installations mix contemporary finishes, such as car paint, cast resin and stainless steel, with more traditional materials such as cotton fabric and pine wood," said the duo.