RADO ANNOUNCES ITS YOUNG DESIGNER AWARD 2009
Up-and-coming Dutch designer Jelte van Abbema is this year's proud recipient of the Rado Young Designer Award, presented at a glittering ceremony in Eindhoven as part of the Dutch Design Awards 2009 on October 17, 2009.
Highly impressed by the exceptional calibre of work submitted by all three finalists, the international design jury eventually chose Jelte van Abbema as the winning entrant.
Jelte's design is a reflection of the spirit of time, the need to slow down and not to be stressed by the lack of it. Connecting with other disciplines such as biochemistry and technology his work opens a new discussion, reflection and awareness of time.
Despite the obvious health risks, Jelte van Abbema made his own ink out of E coli bacteria and used it in his project. Printed onto a paper of agar and cellulose, the ink revealed the letters as it grew. The posters were placed into advertising boards with temperature and humidity control to ensure growth. "It was like a huge Petri dish," says van Abbema. "In the evening I had no image and in the morning I had my presentation." Van Abbema's process leaves some of the designing to the bacteria, submitting his letters to the randomness of nature.
President of Rado, Mr Roland Streule and last year's winner Christien Meinderstma presented Jelte van Abbema along with the award, a new Rado r5.5 watch, designed exclusively by Jasper Morrison. In addition to communication and marketing support from Rado, the designer will also enjoy prize money of Euro 10,000.
Rado, the noted Swiss watchmaker first launched the Rado Young Designer Award in 2008 with the future of design firmly in mind. The award supports and promotes young creative talent all over the world in the field of contemporary design.
Jelte van Abbema has exhibited worldwide notably at Design & the Elastic Mind at the MOMA, New York, Over Design Over in Italy, The Family of Form and Artificial Green in The Netherlands and this month at Dutch Design Double.
For further information please contact:
Annabelle Galley
International Public Relations Manager