Zaxos Stathopoulos-BeSIDE

We had found Zound Systems and the person behind this concept orientated design studio back in 2009. We had downloaded their catalogue and we were trying to find a reason to present Zaxos Stathopoulos, founder of Zound Systems Studio (ZSS), to our readers. The catalogue was lost in a bulk of other documents, magazines and brochures we stock in our desk. A few weeks ago we received a newsletter for upcoming events from Chili Art Gallery in Athens and the name in that newsletter was somehow familiar. Yes, the time had come to write about Stathopoulos!

Zaxos Stathopoulos presents for the first time the conceptual work that is hidden inside the furniture. The experimental manufacturing techniques, the personal aesthetic language and the undetermined commercial specifications, clarify the vague space between design and the applied arts. The exhibition "Zaxos Stathopoulos - BeSIDE" will be presenting objects that were produced between 2010 - 2012 as prototypes or applications for the commercial series of ZS Studio. Furniture that until now had never exited the studio’s doors and were available only to visitors, who wanted to have a better understanding of a modern Greek design office that specializes on hand made objects.

The majority of the exhibited work does not follow any conventional manufacturing methods but has been constructed by simple materials bonded together with modern techniques, leading to the emergence of new applications and form redefinitions. Thus, the evolution process of the raw materials, enriches the story that is hidden behind any limited edition furniture.

Zaxos Stathopoulos was born in Athens in 1982. He began his academic studies in Architecture and continued with Products & Systems Design. He has collaborated with construction companies and creative offices in Greece and abroad, such as AVL in the Netherlands where he worked by the side of Joep Van Lieshout. In 2006, he established his own office/ studio in the island of Syros, Z S Studio, aiming to create a platform dedicated to the design and the creation of hand-made furniture and objects. De-touched from the urban frenzy, as a permanent resident of the island for the past 5 years, he continues to engage in designing and creating limited production objects. He participated in various events and exhibitions such as SMLXL Hellenic Design at Vamiali’s gallery (2011), 2011 % Greek Design at M-ART gallery (2011), Art & Design Connection Decorama-Arte (2010) and Green Design Festival 2 (2010).

Zaxos Stathopoulos - BeSIDE exhibition takes place at Chili Art Gallery (13-15 Dimofontos Street, Thission, 11851 Athens, Greece) from April 6th until May 5th 2012. Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10.30 - 20.30 pm, Saturday 12.00 - 18.00 pm, Sunday by appointment