The Dirk Wynants, Design Works? exhibition

The question mark behind this name in the exhibition title is a deliberate choice by the designer. Even though he is keen to communicate his sustainable design message to the world, and in doing so enjoys portraying himself “on the pulpit” as the exhibition image, he is acutely aware of the fact that there is always more than a single truth.

Dirk Wynants (1964) is the founder and owner of Extremis. He is also the company’s head designer and devised the powerful branding concept ‘Tools for Togetherness’. Extremis gained an international reputation as a trendsetter in outdoor furniture in just a few years, and this success story is closely linked to the inspired personality and ideals of its entrepreneur-designer. More than anyone else, he takes his inspiration from a committed and creative vision of design. He not only devotes his attention to material needs, but also explores ways of responding to socially relevant issues. He considers contemporary design more than simply a matter of trendy and attractive objects; it is all about innovative solutions that can make the world a better place.

This exhibition took place in 2012 at the Design museum, Ghent.
www.designmuseumgent.be

Dirk Wynants (1964) is the founder and owner of Extremis. He is also the company’s head designer and devised the powerful branding concept ‘Tools for Togetherness’. Extremis gained an international reputation as a trendsetter in outdoor furniture in just a few years, and this success story is closely linked to the inspired personality and ideals of its entrepreneur-designer. More than anyone else, he takes his inspiration from a committed and creative vision of design. He not only devotes his attention to material needs, but also explores ways of responding to socially relevant issues. He considers contemporary design more than simply a matter of trendy and attractive objects; it is all about innovative solutions that can make the world a better place.

This exhibition took place in 2012 at the Design museum, Ghent.
www.designmuseumgent.be

Kosmos 'Oris
There is something almost symbolic about the Kosmos’ Oris. It is a special ‘tool for togetherness’: it provides a platform for those who have something to tell other people. And who better to take their place on that platform than a designer like Wynants? Wynants had campaign pictures taken of himself on the Oris lectern. They are comical of course. Perspective and irony are basic ingredients in our culture. They are a natural part of the Extremis communication style. ‘Many designers take themselves very seriously. I think you must always do your work seriously, but you mustn’t take yourself too seriously,’ says Wynants. So how seriously should we ultimately take the gospel of Reverend Wynants? To what extent does he believe in ‘Added value, innovate or die, we love the planet, classics for the future, sexy outstanding stuff, reason for existence, design is human, timeless design, this is not furniture, these are tools for togetherness’? He believes in it wholeheartedly. He is convinced that a designer’s choices enable him to influence public opinion too. It’s every designer’s task to convey a clear message through his products.

Kosmos 'Oris
There is something almost symbolic about the Kosmos’ Oris. It is a special ‘tool for togetherness’: it provides a platform for those who have something to tell other people. And who better to take their place on that platform than a designer like Wynants? Wynants had campaign pictures taken of himself on the Oris lectern. They are comical of course. Perspective and irony are basic ingredients in our culture. They are a natural part of the Extremis communication style. ‘Many designers take themselves very seriously. I think you must always do your work seriously, but you mustn’t take yourself too seriously,’ says Wynants. So how seriously should we ultimately take the gospel of Reverend Wynants? To what extent does he believe in ‘Added value, innovate or die, we love the planet, classics for the future, sexy outstanding stuff, reason for existence, design is human, timeless design, this is not furniture, these are tools for togetherness’? He believes in it wholeheartedly. He is convinced that a designer’s choices enable him to influence public opinion too. It’s every designer’s task to convey a clear message through his products.