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SOFA, the Sculptural Objects and Fine Art show in Chicago, runs concurrently with the Intuit Show of folk and outsider art. Both events are a delight for anyone who appreciates artisan design and the trend-forward message that many pieces convey. Elaine Markoutsas, Editorial Correspondent for The Trend Curve, was in Chicago for these fascinating shows. Her top-line trends are below. For more details, read the December 2011 issue of The Trend Curve.
Notable in Chicago:
COLOR
- Color lived at this show in a rainbow of hues
- Cool, cobalt blue was electric and mysterious as a supporting color punctuation
- Orange, more sun-kissed than pastel, was singled out as never before
- Green, from lime to emerald, looked fresh and spot on
- Red, a perennial favorite, teamed effortlessly with black
- Gold leaf, whether standalone or as rich accents brought the bling
MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
- Studded glass came with tiny geometric designs
- Eglomise appeared in giant scale, like plasma TVs
- Porcelain looks offered a new approach to blown and etched glass
- Relief applique looks updated porcelain
- Contrast was prevalent in finishes and wood value
- Weaves ran the gamut from fabric to metal
MOTIFS AND TECHNIQUES
- Geometric designs dominated, some in dazzling compositions
- Organic themes—leaves, trees, animals, bugs–dovetailed with green thinking
- Figural sculpture and masks looked provocative and remarkable
- Garments became fertile subject matter for artisans
- Curves demonstrated a penchant for spectacular turnings
- Positive-negative made for a new trend in reveals and peekaboos