Following the success of the product design exhibition Common Sense that took place in São Paulo in 2017, within the context of Primeira Pedra programme, first at the famous Lina Bo Bardi Glass House, from 3 to 27 August, and then at the MADE design fair from 9 to 13 August, experimentadesign collaborated with Lisbon Gallery in the presentation of this exhibition in Design Miami/Basel.

The exhibition Common Sense at Design Miami/Basel resulted from an invitation of the curatorial direction of the 14th edition of the Design Miami/Basel fair, leading experimentadesign/Lisbon Gallery to present Common Sense in Basel between the 11th and 16th of June, 2019. This exhibition marked the first time Portugal was represented within the central pavilion of Design Miami/Basel, which takes place during Art Basel – the most important art fair in the world. Designed by experimentadesign and produced by ArtWorks, the exhibition was part of the Satellite Projects section and presented a total of 13 pieces created by the 7 designers that were invited to be part of the project.

Common Sense is a product design collection that explores ideas concerning everyday objects and utensils made out of Portuguese stone. It is the result of a process that delves into themes associated with the relationship between design and natural materials, and its subsequent role in contemporary society. The project also calls for contemplation on the idea of common sense and simplicity, both of which are sometimes lost in times of great technological advances and formal and functional complexity.

Common Sense brings the skills and talents of some of the world’s leading designers to stone. To see geology transformed with such honesty, simplicity and elegance provides a reassuring and visceral response to Elements: Earth, the theme of this year’s Design Miami/Basel, which looks at how designers are reimagining materials, resources and making at a time when human activity is changing the nature of our planet.

Aric Chen, Curatorial Director – Design Miami/Basel

This participation at Design Miami/Basel 2019 was possible thanks to a partnership between experimentadesign/Lisbon Gallery and ArtWorks/Galerie.