ICH und DU
MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2022
An exhibition by MATTER of COURSE
Curated by Anna Carnick & Wava Carpenter – Anava Projects
Supported by Dr. Hauschka
Photography: Anne Deppe & Amir Farzad
Location: 5vie Via Cesare Correnti 14, Milan, Italy
Date: 7-12 June 2022
On the occasion of Milan Design Week 2022, the new, Berlin-based all-female design collective MATTER of COURSE makes its international debut with the group exhibition “Ich und Du.” The curatorial duo Anava Projects conceived a special thematic concept for the event, inviting the collective’s eleven designers to create work that reflects on the relationship between the self and others. The resulting exhibition, Ich und Du, will be presented from June 7-12 as part of 5VIE Design Week, and is supported by pioneering natural cosmetic brand Dr. Hauschka.
Ich und Du features objects handcrafted in glass, wood, clay, textiles, and metal, presented in a series of unexpected vignettes that encourage each of us to consider the art — and power — of interaction, both with our fellow humans and the natural environment. The exhibition takes its name from philosopher Martin Buber’s 1923 essay, Ich und Du (I and Thou), in which Buber posits that “All actual life is encounter.” At the heart of his text, Buber urges readers to overcome this divisive notion of “the other” to fulfill the potential of our humanity, find happiness, and bring about justice.
Curators Anava Projects note: “Against the backdrop of the past few years, our interconnectedness with one another has taken on a new sense of urgency. At a time when both human rights and our environment are under great threat, we can find ourselves at a great distance from one another, both physically and metaphorically. Every one of us is called to reflect upon our own responsibilities within our local and global communities. By bridging divides, we create space for change, and even, perhaps, new versions of ourselves. This exhibition is intended to spark reflection on the spaces between us — and the connections that bind us together.”
According to Nicoline Wöhrle, Dr. Hauschka’s Head of Communications, “We’re thrilled to help support this special exhibition — particularly in light of Anava Project’s timely and powerful curatorial concept. As a company and a foundation, we’ve always believed it’s imperative that we grow with our surrounding communities — to reconcile the need for growth and security with our commitment to respecting and honoring the people and places around us. The social, environmental, and collaborative values of MATTER of COURSE beautifully align with Dr. Hauschka’s own dedication to fostering a culture of care and health for all of humanity and the Earth. We are most successful when we come together.”
