Josephine Bourdariat

The image shows a collection of up-cycled chairs and coffee tables. It is an exploration using unwanted objects found in london.

Josephine Bourdariat is a French-born designer currently based in London. After completing her BA(1st) in Furniture and Product Design at Chelsea college of arts, UAL, she continued her studies at the Royal College of Art in Design Product. Her artistic journey has been driven by a deep fascination with the concept of change and adaptability. Throughout her studies, she became increasingly drawn to exploring the intersection of functionality and desirability.

Through her artistic practice, she envisions a world where design transcends mere aesthetics and becomes a catalyst for change and introspection. She seeks to engage and inspire viewers to question the role of objects in their lives and contemplate the impact of design choices on both a personal and societal level. She is driven by the desire to create connections between people and the objects they interact with, forging a deeper understanding of our relationship with the material world. Moreover, she is driven by the idea of creating objects that hold a certain past and a new future. She is captivated by the notion of imbuing objects with a rich history and a narrative that carries forward into their future existence. By integrating elements of heritage and repurposing materials, she aims to create designs that possess a sense of continuity and evolution, symbolizing the potential for transformation and new beginnings.

In her creative process, she is captivated by mechanisms and connectors—the intricate ways in which various components interact and come together. She finds beauty in the functional aspects of design, valuing the ability of an object to serve a purpose while also resonating on a deeper level. By delving into the realm of mechanisms, she aims to uncover new possibilities and push the boundaries of conventional design. She is deeply intrigued by the fusion of materials like wood and metal while also incorporating the tangible remnants of their past uses, imbuing her designs with living traces of history.

She believes that true significance lies in the ability of an object to adapt and grow rather than being confined to a fixed form or purpose. Furthermore, She searches for the emotional attachment that individuals form with objects. She strives to create designs that foster a sense of connection and resonance, eliciting a range of emotions and personal associations. By investigating the full life cycle of an object—from its creation to its eventual disposal—she aims to shed light on the consequences of our consumption patterns and encourage more responsible design practices.

As she continues her creative journey, she is committed to refining her techniques and exploring innovative approaches. By constantly pushing herself to experiment and embrace new ideas, she aims to bring forth designs that not only embody functionality but also ignite curiosity, stimulate meaningful dialogue, and promote sustainable practices.

UNWANTED: An Exploration of Old and New in Furniture and Objects

Within the project UNWANTED, I embark on an immersive exploration that delves into the intricate relationship between old and new, specifically in the realm of furniture and objects. The primary objective of this research is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how we can repurpose and breathe new life into unwanted materials, furniture, and objects, ultimately transforming them into something fresh and meaningful.

Central to this exploration is the examination of the inherent ambiguity that exists between old and new. I am deeply interested in the ways we can showcase the rich history embedded within these materials and objects while simultaneously reimagining their purpose and function. It is a contemplation of the past and present converging to create a captivating narrative.

At the core of this project lies a profound conversation surrounding the end-of-life cycle. I aim to provoke thought and encourage dialogue about the possibilities that emerge when we challenge conventional notions of disposal and embrace restoration, reuse, and recycling. By reevaluating our preconceived limits, we can reimagine the potential and extend the lifespan of objects that would otherwise be discarded.

A pivotal question arises: Can we transform the function of an object? Must a chair serve as a chair until its final days? Through the careful intervention of several chairs and the utilization of various materials, I seek to explore and challenge the traditional boundaries of their purpose. By employing innovative techniques, such as metal folding, I endeavor to recreate a series of functional items that embody the spirit of reinvention and breathe new vitality into the discarded.

The UNWANTED project serves as a catalyst for introspection, urging us to contemplate our relationship with objects and the environment. It calls upon us to reconsider the notion of permanence, to embrace adaptability and innovation, and to envision a future where the potential for transformation is ever-present.

Through this exploration, I invite viewers to join me on a journey of discovery and reimagination, where the unwanted becomes a source of inspiration and possibilities. Together, let us engage in this conversation that challenges our understanding of objects, their histories, and their future.