Arpa

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Ferragus

On this page

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Arpa Ferragus diffuser in custom 3D-printed case
Ferragus is a multisensory project commissioned by Arpa Studios: a conceptual olfactory brand established by Barnabé Fillion to explore the notion of synesthesia through carefully designed scents, objects, and experiences.

Context

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    PLA2202
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    PLA2201. Detail
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    PLA2201
Inspired by transgressive figures of Ferragus, a fictional character first introduced in a 1833 novel by Honoré de Balzac, and Madame de Brinvilliers, a scandalising aristocrat accused of murder and fraud in Louis XIV France, the project addresses the decadence of old European social structures and the urge of social deconstruction achieved through pre- and early modern alchemy and poison, drugs and medicine.
The sculptural forms of the diffusers, partially revealed through the semi-transluscent packaging that forms an integral part of the design, resulted from a deconstructive reading of French and Viennese historical architecture, including the notorious palace of Versailles: a material representation of social stratification. Translated from “active negatives” of the interior spaces they depict, the resulting abstract shapes were formed using the studio’s signature materials: 3D printed PLA metallised with polished zinc.
Unauthorized rebellion against decency, uprising from the dust of urban fantasy.
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Installation at Hans Hollein’s Retti Candle Store in Vienna
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PLA2201. Detail
Rain and soft shadows match the mineral optics of Paris’ architecture: misted and grisaille, pierced only by hues of pale roses.
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PLA2201. Process image

Works included

Year

2022

Team

Marcin Rusak
Tamara Pilawska Baranowska
Adam Białek
Barbara Doroszuk
Igor Jansen

Specialists

Barnabé Fillion (arpa)

Photo credits

Marcin Rusak Studio

Exhibitions / Location

Vienna, Austria
London, UK
Marcin Rusak
Tamara Pilawska Baranowska
Adam Białek
Barbara Doroszuk
Igor Jansen
Barnabé Fillion (arpa)