Imagined, for uncertain times: a virtual design show that explores design at a distance

Imagined, for uncertain times, an exhibit by soft-geometry, images by Nicholas Cañellas of SPOT studio.

This project started with a letter between artists and a question— “what if?”

“What if we came together as contemporaries from all corners of the world and used our work as a medium to facilitate a global community group, share stories, create and connect with our audience, together?”

— Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary, soft geometry

In moments of crisis and isolation, art and design can offer a powerful means of connection—and a welcome escape from the unknowable present. With design weeks, exhibitions and trade shows around the world called off indefinitely, designers, artists, industry players and enthusiasts are missing out on the important cultural exchange, motivation, and inspiration that these events provide.

In response, furniture design studio soft-geometry, created ‘Imagined, for uncertain times’, a virtual show that hopes to fill a small part of the current void by presenting a ‘model vision for creative collaboration, mutual support within the design community and an opportunity to engage with a distanced audience.’

View the exhibit!

Design by Léa Mestres. 3D image by Nicholas Cañellas of SPOT studio.

‘Imagined, for uncertain times’ is a virtual gallery showcase organized and self-produced by 11 independent design studios from 9 different countries. Aiming to provide a means of connection at the time of a global pandemic, the show explores dual themes of ‘imagining unbound’ and ‘uncertainty’ through the distinct lens of each participating studio.

Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary of furniture design studio soft-geometry initially conceived of the idea while in lockdown in California. The design duo made a ‘wishlist’ of designers they were deeply inspired by, but had never met or spoken to, and decided to write to each of them with the probing ‘what if?’ question. According to the pair, the response was overwhelmingly positive- with designers sharing their intimate stories of challenge, loss, determination, and hope, ultimately coming together to support each other and create.

Show organizers soft-geometry’s own piece for the show imagines a stool formed by vacancies, devoid of corners or edges— a collection of holes held together. 3D image by Nicholas Cañellas of SPOT studio.

The show, which is now live at imaginedforuncertaintimes.com and runs until June 8, presents a visual narrative of 11 works of furniture, lighting and sculpture, which inhabit a whimsical landscape created by Nicholas Cañellas of Barcelona-based SPOT studio. Cañellas’ ethereal gallery features an island set in the middle of an unusually serene body of water, with just a few empty rooms to showcase the extraordinary pieces of furniture.

When curating the show, Zacharias and Chaudhary made sure to feature artists who knew how to skillfully combine reality and fantasy, and who could push the boundaries in terms of material, forms, craft, process and feeling. imaginedforuncertaintimes.com