If you find yourself going cross-eyed trying to figure out the secret behind these modern objects, you’re not alone. Designed by Bo Zhang, artist and chief designer of Desz Office, the Zig/Zag collection, which consists of vases with mirrors and a tray with a mirror, initially appear as playful objects to adorn your tabletops or display your flowers. However, upon closer inspection, you begin to question your perception and the mirrors’ reflections. Is what the mirror reveals really there?
Through the clever use of color, strategic placement, and specific directions in a zigzag line, Zhang creates an optical illusion that makes you think you are peering into a portal to another space. On the “zig” side, the objects are painted one vibrant color, while on the “zag” sides, they are painted a different color that can only be seen by the mirror’s reflection. This puzzling view can be observed from any angle, prompting passersby to do a double take. While mirrors are typically functional items, the Zig/Zag collection elevates their definition to new heights, transforming a commonplace item into an artful object.
Curious about his creative process and the inspiration for Zig/Zag collection, we caught up with Zhang to learn more:
The Zig/Zag collection plays with perception and reflection in a way that challenges the viewer’s understanding of space. What inspired you to explore this concept?
I have always hoped to surprise and challenge people’s thinking through my designs. Zig/Zag presents the concept. The contrast will arouse people’s curiosity and emotional turmoil. Therefore, I create an incredible feeling through vision, color and space. In addition, I hope to see the interaction between the design and the public. People will see different shapes, reflections, and colors of Zig/Zag from different angles. This process makes people feel very interested and fascinated.
Your use of color and strategic placement in the Zig/Zag collection creates a striking visual experience. Can you tell us more about the role color plays in your creative process?
Color is a key factor in Zig/Zag. I use color to create a completely different contrast between the color on the surface of the vase and the color in the mirror – it gives the public an incredible illusion. I show the surprise and interactivity of Zig/Zag via color. The collection use an experimental approach to explore the unpredictable feeling of color and visual presentation.
Mirrors are often seen as functional objects, but you’ve transformed them into artful pieces with a playful twist. How do you hope people will interact with the Zig/Zag collection, and what reactions have you observed from viewers?
Zig/Zag uses graphic lines and double-sided colors to create an amazing and incredible effect, showing different colors and graphics from different perspectives. Whether it is the color of the surface of the object or the flowers placed on the Zig/Zag, different elements interact with the mirror from different angles, constantly changing as the visitor moves around Zig/Zag. At one point everyone is sure to find their favorite image, because they always change their perspective when seeing the Zig/Zag, changing their gaze, from the real object to the object in the mirror.
To learn more about the Zig/Zag Collection by Bo Zhang, visit deszoffice.com.
