You may never have heard of the term Nuvem. It is nor more nor less than a collection of objects formed from aluminum wire, spun and squashed into any number of household items. But that description is far too plain to capture this daring concept.
Alessi spent years developing the concept and honing an artistic vision was only one difficulty. Engineering it into reality, at a price consumers could afford.... Daunting. The results show they have succeeded marvelously.
A simple table mat might seem like it wouldn't be difficult to achieve. Yet, even here the struggle was great. To be true the original artistic inspiration, while creating a useful object that will not scratch or degrade, requires real skill.
The Alessi Nuvem Wire Mat (AFC12, made from anodized aluminum) is available in its natural color, gold, or blue. Each sub-model exhibits the distinctive asymmetry that makes this item delightfully different. With dimensions of approximately 43cm x 37 cm (17" x 14.5") at the widest points, is far from a simple rectangle. It's more like an amorphous cloud that has come to rest on your table.
For a more complex object based on the same idea, Alessi reached for the humble Wire Flower Vase (AFC13). The base is 10cm x 10 cm (4" x 4") and the vase stands 17 cm (7") high. Those mundane figures, however, don't begin to describe the delight this piece of functional sculpture delivers.
As an open wire frame, the vase isn't designed to hold water though it can be used as the outer shell of a glass cylinder or rectangle. Still, it is the perfect choice for artificial flowers, as a container for potpourri, or any of dozens of decorating ideas. It combines an organic theme with an abstract implementation of the sort found in modern art museums around the world.
The company didn't rest on its laurels. It went still further. It created the Alessi Wired Citrus Basket (AFC11) like no other. Here, the aesthetic and the practical work together in perfect harmony. Mediocre engineering would have resulted in disaster. Artistic sloppiness would have ruined a promising idea. By sheer will the designers achieved a perfect balance.
Available in natural aluminum color, blue, or gold, this fruit basket works well in an array of decorating schemes. This stellar sample of nuvem makes for a superb centerpiece. The motif brings the natural outdoor inside. The artifice creates a piece of sculpture you'll be proud to display.
The seamless blend of practical purpose and fine dcor is a hallmark of Alessi. Nowhere have they achieved that integration better than in the nuvem line. Outstanding craftsmanship has realized an artistic vision honored by becoming part of the MOMA collection in New York. Honor Alessi by making it part of yours as well.
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