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Defect

Enter 'Defect', a sculpture series by Casper Braat, which transforms disposable appliances into enduring monuments crafted in marble and gold.

Defect by Casper Braat — © Casper Braat

'Defect' addresses the disposable nature of modern home appliances. Integrating broken appliances with marble and gold, Braat creates a symbolic graveyard, blending traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. This project critiques consumerism and invites reflection on sustainability.

Disposable convenience

In today's consumer society, convenience reigns supreme, leading to an abundance of goods aimed at simplifying life. Home appliances stand as a quintessential example of this trend. However, driven by global demand and a culture of replication, these appliances often suffer from standardised aesthetics and subpar mechanics. Consequently, their short lifespan inevitably consigns them to rubbish, perpetuating a cycle of wasteful consumption.

Paradoxical relationship with consumption

Casper Braat's ongoing sculpture series is a poignant commentary on this throwaway culture. Braat transforms these disposable appliances into enduring monuments by crafting them in marble and gold, imbuing them with a permanence that contrasts sharply with their ephemeral utility. Each sculpture serves as a testament to our society's paradoxical relationship with consumption—a celebration of the present moment at the expense of tomorrow's sustainability.

Symbols of reflection and critique

Unlike previous iterations of the "Forever" exhibition, where sculptures stood individually on pedestals, "Defect" - this latest instalment - presents a cohesive installation. Here, the sculptures merge seamlessly with broken household appliances, forming a symbolic graveyard of obsolete technologies. Braat's new series of marble objects showcases a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern digital techniques, resulting in technically intricate sculptures that leave viewers questioning their construction methods.

Braat's work challenges us to confront the consequences of our consumerist tendencies while also inviting contemplation on the intersection of art, technology, and sustainability. Through his series, he offers a glimpse into a future where the relics of our disposable culture are transformed into enduring symbols of reflection and critique.

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About Casper Braat

Casper Braat (1991), based in Amsterdam, presents the everyday as pure extravagance, driven by a fascination with consumer society. His monumental sculptures, made from materials like marble and gold, elevate the ordinary to the iconic. Braat invites reflection on the excesses of today and the impact of brands and luxury on our lives. During Dutch Design Week 2024, COVA Art Gallery proudly presents Braat's work with "Defect."

Defect by Casper Braat — © Casper Braat

Defect by Casper Braat — © Casper Braat

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Strijp-S area, COVA Art Gallery, Philitelaan 73 , Map No. B23
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