REM Atelier

Dutch design by REM atelier

REM Atelier is an innovative art and design studio founded by Dutch designers Remty Elenga and Remco van Halderen. Based in the Netherlands, the studio explores the boundaries of everyday objects, functionality, and materiality. The name "REM" not only fuses the first letters of their names but also symbolizes their combined interdisciplinary approach to art and design.

Creative Approach and Philosophy

The work of REM Atelier is defined by its playful, yet deeply thought-provoking nature, where organic forms meet artificial elements. Their practice centers around the exploration of materiality, focusing on the process and transformation of everyday objects. They frequently blend the handcrafted with the industrial, creating pieces that challenge conventional notions of design and blur the lines between functional objects and sculpture.

A key element of their design philosophy is the tension between natural and man-made materials, where organic structures are reinterpreted in artificial forms. This approach often leads to surfaces and shapes that engage viewers in a dialogue about material awareness, challenging the perception of objects' traditional roles. Their work pushes the boundaries of functionality and sculptural presence, making their designs feel both practical and artistic.

Signature Works and Installations

REM Atelier’s projects often reflect a deep awareness of the transformation of materials and their impact on the viewer. Their installations and objects feature a variety of materials—wood, metal, textiles—that are shaped into forms evoking both the familiar and the abstract. The duo is known for creating pieces that question the functional and aesthetic limits of everyday items, resulting in objects that feel like organic sculptures yet retain an element of practical design.

Their works, which include handcrafted large-scale installations and experimental objects, demonstrate their ability to create immersive environments. By engaging with natural forms, such as mushrooms or abstracted organic shapes, they turn familiar materials into otherworldly, theatrical pieces that tell a visual story. This storytelling through objects allows their work to transcend mere design, inviting viewers into a meditative space that reflects on materiality, objecthood, and functionality.

Art and Design Studio

Remty Elenga and Remco van Halderen bring a diverse range of expertise to REM Atelier, combining their backgrounds in design, art, and architecture. This interdisciplinary collaboration enables them to produce works that defy categorization, existing in a unique space between functional sculpture, installation, and conceptual art. By merging their skills, they create pieces that explore both the emotional and practical aspects of design, elevating the everyday into something extraordinary.

Their pieces evoke a sense of wonderment, slowing the viewer down to contemplate the relationship between the organic and the artificial. This distinct approach sets REM Atelier apart in the art and design communities, as they continually redefine what it means to engage with everyday materials and objects in a creative, meaningful way.

Picture: Kaatje Verschoren