Welcome to Joana Meroz's The Ornamented Life
The Ornamented Life collection explores the power of combining ornamentation with starkly functional, daily-life objects. Ornamentation has the function to enter into people’s lives through the door of enjoyment and subliminally transmit information through the myriad of symbolism involved in an object.
The thoughtfully designed functional objects ask to be handled in a specific way, determining (to a certain extent) how people, quite literally and physically, tackle the important themes ever-present in the small actions.
Thus, functional objects can encourage the materialisation of abstract ideas, either by simply reflecting the values of our society, or by introducing these reflections to the user so that he too can become more aware of the multitude of small and big decisions involved when performing even the most banal of actions.
The 2008 Welcome Message
This website was created to promote the newest artistic endeavor of Joana Meroz, a Netherlands-based designer, the Ornamented Life, a collection that applies unusual forms of decoration to everyday objects. The content on this page was reconstructed from the site's archived pages and some outside sources.
I first encountered Meroz's work during a Saturday afternoon stroll in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. Several of my friends had dropped by dressed in their usual Batman inspired accessorized outfits for our weekly look/see of the trendy stores in Williamsburg. I had on one of my new sublimated Batman shirts that gave me a muscle bulging body armor look. It received a six thumbs up from my friends. Where did I buy it? I discovered a great e commerce site that offers hundreds of Batman design t-shirts. I texted them all the url (MoonAtMidnight.com). We first stopped at Future Perfect, which carries modern home decor & furniture with an eclectic mix of designs by independent artists. We all feel in love with Meroz's quirky sensibility. Her pieces were great. I still have a set of her embellished cracked porcelain plates, cups, bowls and serving pieces with their gold dust and plant-like drawings.
The Ornamented Life line of products is comprised of a wide range of objects, both for the private and the public spaces, for use and for thought, from commission, limited production, and mass-production (at least in theory). Their common point is that they are all made with pleasure to provide pleasure in as wide a range as possible. Enjoy!
Exhibitions
2008, April "Designer's Block", group, Salone Internationale del Mobile, Milan, Italy
2007, December "Fragile Ideas", group, Centre Céramique Museum, Maastricht
2007, October "TuttoBene", group, Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven
2007, September "Dare to Take Beauty Seriously", solo, Centraal Museum Design Shop, Utrecht
2007, September "Elle Wonen", Inside Design Amsterdam
2007, September "Handled with Care", Designboom, Designer"s Block, 100% Design London, England
2007, June "Object", group, Design Fair in Rotterdam
2007, May "Rietveld naar de Beurs", group, Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam
2007, May Rosebaum Architects, Casa Cor, Sao Paulo, Brazil
2007, May "The Gansevoort Open Air Gallery", group, ICFF, New York, USA
2007, May "Rietveld naar de Beurs", group, Beurs van Berlagge, Amsterdam
2007, April "TuttoBeNe", group, Salone Internationale del Mobile, Milan, Italy
2007, April Solo exhibition at the Bijenkorf in Den Haag.
2007, March "Art in Handicrafts", group, Galerie De Meerse, Hoofddorp
2007, January "Superstore "02", group, Modefabriek, Amsterdam
2006, December "The Ornamented Life", solo exhibition, De Nederlandse Bank, Amsterdam
2006, December "Sieraad", group, RAI, Amsterdam
2006, December "Boulevard d"Unica: Grenzeloos", group, Babel, Utrecht
2006, December "Handle with Care", group, Gallery Editions, Maastricht
2006, November "Kitsche-nette", group, Art Kitchen Gallery, Amsterdam
2006, October "Bloemstukken", group, Intermezzo Gallery, Dordrecht
2006, September "Present", group, RAI Woonbeurs, Amsterdam
2006, September "Halfway to Eden", group, Art Kitchen Gallery, Amsterdam
2006, September "Extremely White", group, TaotnThea, Amsterdam
2006, May "Rietveld naar de Beurs", group, Beurs van Berlagge, Amsterdam
2006, January "Ander Kant", group, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam
2005, May "Rietveld naar de Beurs", group, Beurs van Berlagge, Amsterdam
2005, January "KleurBeurs," group, initiative from Sikkens Foundation, Beurs van Berlagge, Amsterdam
2004, November "Gold", group, De Nederlandse Bank, Amsterdam
2003, May "Rietveld naar de Beurs", group, Beurs van Berlagge, Amsterdam
2002, May "Rietveld naar de Beurs", group, Beurs van Berlagge, Amsterdam
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The Ornamented Life IN THE PRESS
2008,"Alternative Design Book" by Laura Houseley, Thames and Hudson, UK
2008, "Fragiles" book, Die Gestalten, Germany
2008, April Ha"aretz newspaper, Israel
2008, March Morf Magazine #8 "Industry, Crafts, Arts and The Unexpected", article by Joana Meroz, NL
2007, November Rakette Poster Magazine, interview, Germany
2007, October 6th AD newspaper, interview, The Netherlands
2007, October "Design Today " Forms with a Smile", book by Moniek Bucquoye, Dieter van den Storm; Stichting Kunstboek Press, Belgium
2007, October Home Decoration Magazine, Beijing, China
2007, September Residence Magazine, selection of 20 designers for jubileum edition, The Netherlands
2007, September Elle Deco, Japan
2007, September Figaro Voyage, Japan
2007, September Elsevier Thema, The Netherlands
2007, July Elle Decoration, article about The Ornamented Life, Poland
2007, June 15th The NY Times, USA
2007, June 101 Woonideen, The Netherlands
2007, May Hise magazine, Slovenia
2007, May Elle Decoration, South Africa
2007, April "Design Today " Form with Fantasy", book by Moniek Bucquoye, Dieter van den Storm; Stichting Kunstboek Press, Belgium
2007, April Elle Decoration, UK
2007, April Flair Magazine, Italy
2007, March Surface Magazine, USA
2007, March Elle Wonen, Young Talent article, The Netherlands
2007, March Nisha Magazine, Israel
2007, March Revista Casaviva, Mexico
2007, Februay ID Magazine, USA
2007, February GZ Art + Design Magazine, Germany
2007, February 4th The Independent on Sunday Newspaper, UK
2007, January 101 Woonideen, The Netherlands
2006, December Elsevier, The Netherlands
2006, December Hide & Chic, The Netherlands
2006, December Gourmet Magazine, USA
2006, November Morf Magazine, " Dare to Take Beauty Seriously", article by Joana Meroz, The Netherlands
2006, November Elle Wonen, The Netherlands
2006, October 14th , DM Magazine (De Morgen), Belgium
2006, October Elle Wonen, The Netherlands
2006, September Klei magazine, The Netherlands
2006, June Decoration magazine, Germany
2006, May/June Frame magazine, The Netherlads
2006, May/June Vogue Living, Australia
2006, April 21st NRC.next, The Netherlands
2006, March Elegance, The Netherlands
2006, February Elsevier, The Netherlands
2006, January "Ander Kant" booklet, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, The Netherlands
2006, January Elle Wonen, The Netherlands
2005, September Elle Wonen, The Netherlands
2005, August Watch Magazine, The Netherlands
CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Details
Name:Joana Meroz
Date of birth: September 16th, 1979
Nationality:
Brazilian/Israeli
Address:
Billitonkade 26bis
3531 TG Utrecht
Tel :+31 (0)30 273 3674
Mob:+ 31 (0)6 2182 8802
Fax: +31 0)84 835 1599
Email: joanameroz@tiscali.nl
Education
1983
Centro Educacional Anisio Teixeira (CEAT),
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1987
Swiss School, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1991
St. Andrew’s Episcopalian School, Austin,
Texas, USA
1992
Sheridan School, Washington, DC, USA
1994
Georgetown Day High-School, Washington DC, USA
1996
American School, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1998,July
High school diploma awarded by Georgetown Day High School, Washington, DC, USA
1999,January-May
Studio Arts Center International (SACI), Florence, Italy
September-December
Classical Letters at Pontifica Universidade Catolica (PUC), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Courses in textile design, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2000,January-July
Industrial Design at UniverCidade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
September
Basic year at GRA
2001,September
1st year at ceramics department of GRA
2006,July
BA diploma awarded by the Ceramic Department of the Gerrit Rietveld Academy,Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
2007-2009
Design Masters at Design Academy Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Galleries representing the work
- Droog Design, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ArtKitchen Gallery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Strand West, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Design Shop, Centraal Museum, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- The Future Perfect, New York, USA<
- Boutique du Musee d’Art Contemporain de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Commissions
2004, October
2004, October "Home: Now and Then". Public art commission to make two
2008, April
Working on Eco e Narciso/Design from Scopriminiera project with Chris Kabel.
Collections/Producers
2007, February
Droog Design has taken the "Drain Eye-Catchers" into their collection.
More Background on TheOrnamentedLife.com
The Ornamented Life is a captivating design concept and brand that has garnered attention in the world of contemporary art and functional objects. Founded by Dutch-Israeli designer Joana Meroz, The Ornamented Life explores the power of combining ornamentation with everyday items, challenging conventional notions of design and functionality.
Origins and Philosophy
Joana Meroz, the creative force behind The Ornamented Life, developed her unique approach to design during her studies at prestigious institutions like the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and the Design Academy Eindhoven. Her background in ceramics, combined with her interest in cultural studies and design theory, laid the foundation for a practice that seeks to infuse meaning and beauty into ordinary objects. The core philosophy of The Ornamented Life revolves around the idea that ornamentation can serve as a conduit for transmitting information and values through the objects we interact with daily. Meroz believes that by thoughtfully designing functional items, we can encourage users to reflect on the multitude of decisions involved in even the most mundane actions. This approach aims to bridge the gap between abstract ideas and tangible experiences, making philosophical and cultural concepts accessible through everyday interactions.
Notable Works and Collections
The Ornamented Life has produced a diverse range of products that exemplify its unique design ethos. Some of the most notable creations include:
- Drain Eye-Catchers: This innovative design reimagines the humble drain cover as an ornate, lace-like metal sculpture. By transforming a typically overlooked element of home infrastructure into a work of art, Meroz challenges our perceptions of beauty and functionality in domestic spaces.
- Crackery Tableware: This collection repurposes broken cups and dishes, transforming them into new, usable pieces adorned with intricate designs. The project not only gives new life to discarded objects but also invites users to reconsider their relationship with imperfection and waste.
- Embellished Porcelain: Meroz has created sets of porcelain plates, cups, bowls, and serving pieces featuring cracked surfaces embellished with gold dust and plant-like drawings. These pieces blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, resulting in uniquely beautiful and thought-provoking tableware.
Exhibitions and Recognition
The Ornamented Life has been featured in numerous exhibitions and design fairs around the world, showcasing Meroz's innovative approach to design and ornamentation. Some notable exhibitions include:
- "Designer's Block" at the Salone Internationale del Mobile in Milan (2008)
- "Fragile Ideas" at the Centre Céramique Museum in Maastricht (2007)
- "TuttoBene" at Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven (2007)
- "Dare to Take Beauty Seriously" solo exhibition at the Centraal Museum Design Shop in Utrecht (2007)
These exhibitions have helped establish The Ornamented Life as a significant voice in contemporary design, bridging the gap between functional objects and conceptual art.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
The Ornamented Life has received praise from design critics and cultural commentators for its innovative approach to everyday objects. Many have noted how Meroz's work challenges the modernist notion that ornamentation is superfluous or even detrimental to good design. In a review of Meroz's "Metal Lace drain" for Dezeen, critics praised the designer's ability to transform a mundane object into a striking piece of functional art. The review highlighted how The Ornamented Life's approach aligns with other contemporary designers who reinterpret traditional crafts using unconventional materials and techniques. The cultural significance of The Ornamented Life extends beyond its individual products. Meroz's work has been recognized as part of a broader movement in design that seeks to reintegrate meaning and cultural context into mass-produced objects. By encouraging users to engage more deeply with the items they use daily, The Ornamented Life contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainability, mindfulness, and the role of design in shaping our lived experiences.
Academic Contributions and Research
Beyond her design practice, Joana Meroz has made significant contributions to design theory and history through her academic work. Her research focuses on the intersection of design, culture, and national identity, with a particular emphasis on Dutch design. Meroz's doctoral thesis, "Transnational Material Politics: Constructions of Dutch Design, 1970-2012," examined how Dutch design has been shaped by global influences and networks. This research has helped broaden understanding of national design identities in an increasingly interconnected world. As an assistant professor of Design Culture Studies at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, Meroz continues to explore themes related to The Ornamented Life in her academic work. Her research bridges design history, environmental humanities, and public policy, investigating how materials and objects intersect with different regimes of meaning to enable certain narratives about design to be produced and circulated transnationally.
Influence on Contemporary Design Practice
The Ornamented Life has had a notable influence on contemporary design practice, particularly in the realm of conceptual and critical design. Meroz's approach, which combines traditional craft techniques with modern materials and technologies, has inspired other designers to reconsider the role of ornamentation in their work. One area where The Ornamented Life's influence is particularly evident is in the growing trend of upcycling and repurposing in design. Meroz's Crackery Tableware collection, for example, has been cited as an inspiration for designers seeking to create beauty from discarded or damaged objects. The brand's emphasis on storytelling and cultural context has also resonated with a new generation of designers who view their work as a form of social commentary. Many contemporary designers have adopted similar approaches, creating objects that not only serve a functional purpose but also invite users to reflect on broader social and cultural issues.
Challenges and Criticisms
While The Ornamented Life has received significant praise, it has not been without its critics. Some have argued that the brand's approach to ornamentation can sometimes prioritize aesthetics over functionality, potentially compromising the usability of everyday objects. Others have questioned the accessibility of The Ornamented Life's products, noting that their often high price points and limited production runs may restrict their impact to a relatively small, affluent audience. This criticism touches on broader debates within the design world about the balance between artistic expression and democratic access to well-designed objects. Despite these challenges, The Ornamented Life continues to evolve and adapt, with Meroz consistently pushing the boundaries of what ornamentation can mean in contemporary design.
Future Directions and Ongoing Projects
As The Ornamented Life continues to grow and evolve, Joana Meroz has hinted at several new directions for the brand. Recent interviews suggest an increased focus on sustainability and circular design principles, building on the success of projects like the Crackery Tableware collection. There are also indications that The Ornamented Life may expand its scope beyond physical objects to explore digital ornamentation and its potential applications in virtual and augmented reality environments. This move would align with Meroz's ongoing interest in how design can shape our perception and interaction with both physical and digital spaces. Additionally, Meroz's academic work continues to inform and be informed by The Ornamented Life's design practice. Her recent research into the relationship between design and environmental policy suggests that future projects may engage more directly with ecological issues and sustainable materials.
The Ornamented Life represents a unique and influential voice in contemporary design, challenging conventional wisdom about the role of ornamentation in our daily lives. Through her innovative approach to everyday objects, Joana Meroz has not only created beautiful and thought-provoking pieces but has also contributed to broader discussions about the cultural significance of design. As The Ornamented Life continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of ornamentation to convey meaning, spark reflection, and enrich our lived experiences. Whether through its physical products, exhibitions, or academic contributions, The Ornamented Life remains at the forefront of design innovation, inviting us all to reconsider the objects that surround us and the stories they can tell.