Make, sell, and repeat. Such is the existence of the A small edition of objects that repeat in form and material but each one is made subtly individual by some distinctive feature. This is not mass production, nor art, but the middle ground: The Series. Making in small series is about overcoming constraints; of money, time, labour, space, material and machine availability, to make repetitively and therefore efficiently and therefore economically. But unlike in industrial design, perfection is not sought and unlike in art, commerciality and usability remain important. The series is made up of unique objects where creative expression is paramount; hardwired into the system rather than left outside of it. This means that processes, machines and materials that amplify differences, imperfections and variety are highly prized. As we explore in this exhibition, creating a truly original series often requires unconventional thinking.

This yearʼs successful FOKUSOpen Call applicants are a cohort of emerging international designers who were selected for their ingenuity, originality, and invention in creating a series of objects. Each of the series on display illustrates a different approach to making in multiples. As you explore FOKUS:  The Series take time to reflect on how specific materials and processes have been carefully sought out or chosen with the specific desire to make many objects. How processes create variation, or at least allow it in. Note the importance of creating systems, even seemingly uncontrollable ones. See how each designer or design studio finds their own way to be creative and express themselves. And consider how the end result might influence other trends, attitudes, aesthetics, outside of the context we present it today. We hope you enjoy the exhibition.

With works by: Alexandra Gerber, Alexandre Delasalle, Anna Nordström, Erika Emerén, Fabio, Spink, Heiko Bauer, Jakob Niemann, Jesper Oléhn, Johanna Seelemann, Kuo Duo, Lab La Blah, Leo Koda, Liam McClure, Moon Seop Seo, Office For Ordinary Objects, Roxanne Kury, Sarah Yao-Rishea, Studio Joachim-Morineau, Studio Nicolas Erauw, Thomas Waidhofer, Victor Montour, and Ward Wijnant

Curation and text: Laura Houseley
Scenography: Dóra Medvecky
Graphic design: Bueronardin
Production Team: Florian Kläger
Printing: Perfect Cut

The fermacell® gypsum fibreboards used in the scenography were kindly provided by James Hardie Austria.