NOMADS

People always have a fascination with discovering new worlds, exploring the unseen, or moving for “survival” reasons. “Anatomically modern” humans have spent ninety-eight percent of their time on Earth as nomads. Living our whole life in one place is a relatively new and atypical concept.

Although traditionally nomadic movement patterns have been mainly dictated by and attuned to the change of seasons, we are looking at nomadism from a broader perspective of mobility and openness to create a new sense of community and re-establish the long-lost connection with mother nature.

Building upon this human urge to wander we are setting out to imagine new nomads. If evolution is the study of the origins of life, its development and diversity and the main factors that inform this extraordinary process are environment and geography, how creatures would look like in the future? How do these beings who are in constant motion, adapt to their new environments? What are their characteristics, their personalities, their wits? How do they evolve?

In this futuristic scenario, a small tribe of imaginary creatures is embarking on a journey to explore the new world and question our perception of mobility, migration & community. Their form inspired by “ceremonial couture”, such as body scarification rituals, body painting, and elaborate costumes, reflects upon their ability to adapt to the new while respecting the old and valuing their heritage.

Completely stripped from colour, the decorative elements traditionally used to adorn, seduce, and convey symbolic meanings – become embedded in their bodies permanently. Their ornamental, textural patterns combined with natural light are the key elements that give depth and bring the objects to life in the form of vessels reminiscent of nomadic water bearers.

3D printed in sand they are “products” of new technology while maintaining their connection with nature and earth. They are also symbolic of an ideal aspiration for a smoother symbiotic relationship between the two. Their rough surface maintains the highly tactile character of sand and creates a direct reference to the natural origin of the material.

This project is collaboration between Studiolav & Sandhelden.

Design STUDIOLAV
Production SANDHELDEN
Photography Yannis Bournias