Wall decoration - Ikea - Humans since 1982 - IKEA ART EVENT 2021 - Sweden

The vision: A poetic take on technology

Creative duo Humans since 1982 refuse to be labelled as either artists or designers, instead they want their work to reflect the dynamism of human nature. Since their studies, they have been interested in dismantling the border between functional design and art, which they believe to be unnecessary as everything has a function of some kind. In their practice, the duo often take iconic objects and recognisable signs and symbols out of their usual habitats and put them into new environments, with new functions. Much of their work examines technology, which they call “a tool for efficiency” and gives it a less tangible, more poetic quality in order to provide a fresh perspective on its place in society.

Their contribution to IKEA ART EVENT 2021 follows this train of thought – they take the drone, a modern technological object associated with surveillance, and put it into an aluminium display case resembling a butterfuly collection. By pinning the drones inside the cabinet, they make us think about how strange it is for a present-day technological item to be static as though it is a timeless artefact or specimen. The duo hope that their wall pieces will resonate with IKEA customers; they believe that they will fit into any kind of home.

Humans since 1982 about the collaboration: "the studio has partnered with IKEA to create this limited edition artwork as part of the IKEA Art Event 2021. The drone wall pieces we have developed for IKEA resemble butterfly collection cabinets – playing with the contrasts and similarities between contemporary technology and natural sciences.

Established in 2009 by Bastian Bischoff and Per Emanuelsson (who are from Germany and Sweden respectively) while students at HDK Göteborg, Humans since 1982 fuse art and design to create subversive everyday objects. The duo’s pieces raise questions about accelerating technology and its dualistic nature as both a source of progression and destruction. Defying simple categorisation, their work is driven by curiosity and a desire to offer a new way of thinking about the world.

About the IKEA Brand

IKEA is a global icon in interior design, known for its functional, accessible, and stylish products strongly influenced by Scandinavian minimalist aesthetics. The impact of iconic designers like Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Finn Juhl strengthens the brand’s distinct character. These designers represent a timeless mid-century modern and vintage style, which is central to IKEA’s vision of making beautiful and practical design accessible to all.

Over the years, IKEA has collaborated with leading brands and designers such as Vitra, Fritz Hansen, Knoll, and Droog, creating unique design pieces that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. The brand also integrates industrial materials like Formica, contributing to the durability of its products, while influences from Bauhaus enhance the modern aesthetics and simple lines of IKEA’s collection.

IKEA also partners with renowned lighting brands like Louis Poulsen and Flos, providing customers with modern and functional lighting options. In the realm of accessories and artful objects, IKEA collaborates with influential names such as Studio Job, Gio Ponti, Bitossi, Gabbianelli, and Cassina, making it appealing to collectors and lovers of exclusive design. The artistic flair of Alessi adds depth to IKEA’s versatile range of products that suit various interior styles.

With influential designers such as Maarten Baas, Natuzzi, Pierre Jeanneret, and Verner Panton, IKEA offers a unique blend of modern and classic design. The brand combines the clean lines of Cassina with colorful accents inspired by Cappellini. Innovative ideas from designers like Piet Hein Eek and Konstantin Grcic give IKEA a contemporary twist.

With an audience that spans from practical interior seekers to passionate collectors of design classics, IKEA remains an essential player in the modern interior world. Collaborations with names like Hay, Knoll, and Bitossi ensure that IKEA’s design remains relevant, timeless, and appealing to a broad audience. Through influences from iconic designers and the use of sustainable materials, IKEA makes iconic design accessible worldwide, and the brand remains beloved in households across the globe.

As new - unpacked.
Dimensions: W26×D7.5, H35cm
Material: Aluminium, ABS plastic and glass.