Founded in 1961 as a vehicle for promoting Italian furniture and furnishing exports, the Salone Internationale del Mobile quickly became a mecca for design-loving pilgrims and exhibitors from around the globe. Over a half century later, the Salone del Mobile and its satellite events are commonly referred to as Milan Design Week and today, DPAGES kicks off our annual review of all the sights and happenings that wrapped up last week.  I hope you enjoy!

Dipping our toe into the onslaught of coverage to come, I introduce artist Mark Sturkenboom’s beautiful little Ark, which was born of the question, “What would be the one thing you would save or preserve if a flood was coming?” Complete with tiny leather box and protective glass bubble, this 21st century time capsule stands poised to set sail at a moment’s notice with your most precious relic, secret or manifesto sealed tight for future generations to find.

While Sturkenboom’s Ark was inspired by both the famed Noah’s Ark and Julian Barnes’ novel A History of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters, his growing collection of fantastical pieces goes beyond appearance to focus on the deeper relationship between object and owner. Sturkenboom explains, “I try to call forward a myriad of associations and stimulate our thinking about what counts to us in our lives. I examine products and set them free from their conventional use.” Through his art, he encourages viewers to contemplate themes of love and time, all while posing a question that looms as large in life as it does design –  what’s really important and what’s just static?

Photos via MarkSturkenboom.com

& Mark Sturkenboom Facebook