This year’s Milan Design Week has brought with it an inconceivable amount of eye candy, from Hermès’ installation featuring 75 tons of stone to Patrick Jouin’s 3D-printed folding chair. But not all of the views are inside buildings and artist Alex Chinneck is making sure we remember that.
Head to Via Tortona in Milan and you’ll come across what looks like a massive building facade being unzipped. According to Dezeen, Chinneck’s work is done in collaboration with vaping and tobacco brand Iqos. The zippers don’t stop at the exterior—there are also a handful of zippered installations inside the building, breaking boundaries on the floor and the walls.
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You wouldn’t guess that the project is branded from first glance, but there’s a clear parallel between the hidden colors Chinneck uses and the brightening of a vape pen as someone turns it on. The illusion also gives off the idea that there are more than just the expected layers that come with an old building. The installation is fun above all else, and it gives the observer an opportunity to let their creativity off its leash for a bit.
Inside the building, you’ll find two more zippers: one that reveals a sunken pool of sorts and another that seems to rip the wall right in half. Each one gives just enough of a peek while leaving a bit to the imagination.
Chinneck’s installation will be open to the public until April 14, so check it out soon before it’s gone forever.
