The exhibition „Riches to Rags“ delves into the connection between the past and present, yesterday and tomorrow. What constitutes „rags“ and what defines „riches“? It questions the status of materials, pondering whether everything old is obsolete and if modernity aligns with contemporary standards. Moreover, it challenges the notion of truth in perception, employing a playful exploration of materials, illusion, and individual perspective as its foundational concept.
Riches to Rags aims to prompt a reassessment of attitudes and expectations, encouraging a fresh perspective. Markus Benesch‘s deep-seated commitment to reevaluating his studios design process in light of the climate crisis is at the heart of this endeavor. In a playful yet earnest manner, Benesch explores various avenues to integrate sustainability as an integral element of design.
With unwavering optimism he explores diverse approaches to infuse sustainability into the DNA of artifacts, ensuring that each piece of furniture narrates an aspect of sustainability. The exhibition showcases approaches through a diverse array of furniture, objects, and wallpapers, addressing the theme both aesthetically and thematically. The objects represent a process, a beginning.
Sustainability is not only viewed as necessary but also as a creative inspiration. To what extent can the artifacts embody sustainability within themselves? What story do they tell? Each individual object conveys its own narrative and symbolizes, in its own way, a shift towards a new society that is aware of the finite nature of resources. The furniture serves as an approach in this field, an attempt to rethink, they are meant to inspire and stimulate conversation.
„In times of global crisis, wars, and natural catastrophes, I increasingly ask myself: What are actually my goals, what is meaningful, and what is desirable?
I grew up in a time when the path from rags to riches was the declared goal of most people. The Western worldview, my worldview, was shaped by the belief that prestige and commercial success are the essential ingredients for a happy and fulfilling life. The state of the world as it is today is partly the result of this individual dream. Resources are dwindling, poverty and injustices are increasing. The climate crisis becomes more palpable and ubiquitous every day.
Perhaps we need to move away from „Rags to Riches“ and reverse the saying. „Riches to Rags“. The question is, what are our riches today? I like this idiom because it describes the transition and change, and change seems to be the most urgent action right now. A shift in perspective must occur, including in my own mind.
I must acknowledge that I am part of the problem. As a designer, architect and artist, the core of my professional life revolves around creativity, the act of creating and producing things. My profession is also my calling, but it creates a paradox when I realize that the world doesn‘t necessarily need more products, or rather, that designing and creating must change. How can I become more sustainable on a personal and professional level? It has become clear to me that I cannot continue unchanged. There is an awareness that design, in addition to aesthetics and functionality, must necessarily be expanded to include sustainable values.
This exhibition is a beginning, it showcases a process, a shift in thinking that has started, a path I want to undertake and explore further. The objects and furniture in my exhibition are the starting point of a new adventurous journey. They show examples of my attempts. They are meant to communicate, they are not morally untouchable, nor am I. They are intended to stimulate conversation and reflection on sustainability. I seek ideas and new approaches to find a feasible path as a designer and creator of things and spaces.
— Markus Benesch 2024
