'When the exhibition was completed, I saw the logical steps I took in the last years. It is very nice to see a complete timeline of the work I've done over the last 10 years. I hope that people will have a good look around and enjoy this evolution.'

Joost van Bleiswijk

Last week saw the festive opening of the Co-evolution exhibition by Joost van Bleiswijk and Kiki van Eijk at Het Noordbrabants Museum, in the Netherlands. The exhibition and the museum were opened by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Joost van Bleiswijk and Kiki van Eijk’s work is brought together in the Co-evolution exhibition, it represents an overview of eighty pieces from the first twelve years of both designers’ careers.

Joost & Kiki designed the exhibition themselves, focusing on three parts: a chronological display of works, cabinets filled with inspiration, and a style room.

For Co-evolution Joost van Bleiswijk asked design critic Jeroen Junte (NL) to write an overview text on the designer and his works. Highlighted works from this text were selected to be in the chronological display in the main presentation room. The main room of the exhibition is diagonally separated between the two designers. Joost’s work is presented at various heights and in multiple layers, on one side of the space. Kiki added personal quotes on the signs explaining Joost’s designs, as Joost did for Kiki too.

Separating Joost’s works and those of Kiki are custom-made glass and metal cabinets. On both sides of these cabinets you will find sources of inspiration, and little models by Joost and Kiki. For instance Joost chose to have authentic tools on display, and models of the Poor Man’s Gold collection (2009), which are also featured in its actual size in the exhibition. The style room features a combination of Joost and Kiki’s works, portrayed as their ideal living room. The ‘’Light a Moment’’ lantern by Joost and Kiki in collaboration with Laikingland, is the centre piece of the room.