Rephrase • v. [tr.] express (an idea or question) in an alternative way, esp. with the purpose of changing the detail or perspective of the original idea or question: rephrase the statement so that it is clear
REPHRASALS is an experimental design project and exhibition by Finnish design duo Aalto+Aalto and Swedish designer Petra Lilja. The concept is based on an idea of understanding and misunderstanding. The aim is to explore what new possibilities and expressions can be found through a method of associations and chance.
About the method:
Both designers have chosen three designs from the last 100 years from their respective countries and have described them through a set of definitions, not revealing what the original objects are. These definitions, or descriptions, are then switched so that both designers get a kind of brief. The aim is not to guess what the object in question is but to design a new object from this described point of view. In the exhibition the new objects are presented together with their counterparts, offering new interpretations of familiar objects as well as an in-depth look into the multiple reasons why things are the way they are.
The project has been made possible with the generous support of the Finnish Cultural Foundation.
