Presented at Design Miami 2018 for Curio Liabilities by Nadja Zerunian is a series of objects, dramatically presented like actors on a stage, interpreting the complexity and ordinary nature of relationships. Produced with traditional Transylvanian Roma artisans who use archaic methods and tools to this day, the metal vessels (copper, silver, brass and gold plated) portray one hundred scenarios, exploring human interactions, attachments, and bonds.

“Nadja Zerunian uses objects the way a play write uses dialogue,” said Alice Stori Liechtenstein. “She conjures forms out of copper and gold and places them in conversation with one another. Her vessels and tools might serve prosaic or ceremonial tasks, like pouring or serving, but they are ultimately an effort to explore ideas – a Freudian attempt to free feelings and emotions. The multiple ways relationships unfold -seducing, balancing, supporting, overbearing, bonding – are mirrored in the way the bowls, plates, jugs rest next to each other. These beautifully crafted objects, deliberately arranged and perfectly executed, are precious trinkets to behold. Or perhaps an army of lovers, waiting to be freed from a spell by the magic power of touch.”

Liabilities was part of Curio Design Miami/’s newest exhibition platform which invites designers, curators, innovators and gallerists to present cabinets of curiosity, surprising installations of scientific and technological research alongside handcraft and creative production. The Curios are interspersed amongst Design Miami/’s core galleries, infusing the fair’s exhibition program with inventive snapshots of today’s design landscape.

After a successful career as a senior designer for Calvin Klein in New York, and creative director at Georg Jensen and The Swatch Group, Nadja Zerunian has shifted her focus: she now relishes the immediate interaction with crafters and makers. She collaborates with artisans in Romania, Algeria, Lebanon, Iran, Austria and Italy to develop small limited-edition series, highlighting the immense potential, relevance and knowledge of the local craft. She advises the Erste Foundation Roma Partnership program, is a creative consultant for UNIDO / United Nations Industrial Development Organization and founding partner of zerunianandweisz and co/rizom.

photo James Harris

adjusted coordination  /  bonded arrangement  /  fused alignment  / deceptive submission  / attached affiliation  /   calculated placement   /  altered direction  / fatalist pact / patient revolution  / controlled procedure  /  gradual amendment  /  bored variation   /  assured roles   /  obedient compliance  /  deferential engagement  / probable confirmation  /  stoic alliance   /  flirtatious addiction   /  dependent formation  / predictable triviality   / uniform destiny  /  adventurous frivolity  /  delicate monotony  /  hazardous probe  / lively confrontation  / exaggerated formality  /  mischievous combination  /  seductive play  /  integrated autonomy  /  spirited provision  /  validated stereotype  /  indestructible protocol  /  timid retreat**  /  accepted triangulation  /  compromised situation  /  regulated track  /  excessive admiration  / disappointed expectation  /  committed rite  /  exhausted anticipation  /  perfected routine  /  superficial unity  /  perplexing sameness.  /  transient intimacy  /  reserved dependability  /  decisive loyalty  /  detached reflection  /  liable security  /  generous interpretation  /  conventional deal  /  reliable configuration  /  steady constancy  /  familiar replication  /  relaxed obligation  /  perpetual possibility  /  established deliverable  /  accentuated vacancy  /  improbable position  /  delicious seduction  /  coquettish pursuit  /  unconditional dedication  /  symbiotic comfort  /  energized chase  /  amorous production  /  extroverted intensity  /  precarious balance  /  rooted proximity  /  discarded trophy  /  settled endowment  /  visionary translation  /  defiant condition  /  extensive happiness  /  perfect deception  /  complete togetherness  /  trusted assurance  / natural attachment  /  synergic connection  /  detectable delusion  /  persistent resemblance  /  proven setting  /  complicit consideration  /  naive mandate  /  lost integrity  /  consequent liberty  /  determined commitment  /  eternal fantasy  /  renounced individuality  /  ephemeral bind  /  profound fragility  /  incomprehensible completeness  /  impenetrable devotion  /  absolute reliability  /  categorical chance  /  passive hostility  /  ecstatic closeness  / total harmony  /  comprehensive fusion  /  celebrated affinity  /  caring bond  /  discrete isolation  /  intact utopia.

   photos Mark Glassner