There’s more than contract furniture at #IIDEX 09. MADE caught our attention with Radiant Dark, a curated exhibition presenting the “multifaceted, yet often obscured aspects of modern, independent Canadian design.”   Fresh and innovative, small or limited edition designs; among our favorites is Shadow Box by Connie Chisholm Studio.  Whether it be from elementary school dioramas or luxurious display cabinets – with rich wood, glass and soft lighting, you’ve surely encountered the shadow box typology before.

Shadow Box. Designed by Connie Chisholm Studio for MADE.

Chisholm’s design references the traditional display cabinet, which is generally located in areas of our homes where guests can see and appreciate the objects within: beautiful or sentimental pieces, memorabilia and tchotchkes. Light and shadow are used to explore “the idiosyncratic yet universal nature of what we collect and show in our homes.” Simplicity and minimalist form characterize Connie Chisthom’s work, which combines strong sculptural elements and technical exploration.  Shadow Box is a solid walnut frame with glass and LED lights. This is somewhat typical of her work which primarily uses domestic woods, veneers, and plastic laminates she occasionally includes fabricated or cast metal components.

Also check out Barr Gilmore’s Shinny Lamp, also at the Radiant Dark exhibition in the Light Canada Expo at #IIDEX 2009.