Throbbing Stillness: A Sculptural Vessel Redefining Functionality

A Unique Exploration of Abstract Ideas and Raw Minimalism

Throbbing Stillness, designed by Maru Meleniou, draws inspiration from the book "White" by Kenya Hara, Zen Buddhism, and the human body. Meleniou's exploration of ceramics as a vessel for emptiness goes beyond its functional purpose. The vessel is not intended for arranging flowers but rather to contain abstract ideas, thoughts, and images. It seeks to evoke a sense of whiteness through layering, reflecting the delicate and fragile nature of the color.

Using the coiling technique, an ancient method that involves shaping clay without a pottery wheel, Meleniou creates a vessel that mirrors the honesty of the creative process. The slow and meditative approach allows for small details, imperfections, and qualities to emerge, establishing a unique relationship between the artist and the medium. Throbbing Stillness stands at a height of 40cm, showcasing the artist's mastery of form and proportion.

Throbbing Stillness stands out in the realm of contemporary ceramics with its raw minimalism and slow design ethos. By stripping away excessive colors and glazes, Meleniou highlights the inherent qualities of the stoneware clay. The vessel's simplicity in form and color accentuates concepts such as emptiness, potentiality, and expansion, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper contemplation.

While Throbbing Stillness may appear to be a static object, it possesses a dynamic quality that transcends its medium. The vessel serves as a space for connection, an invitation to interact. Meleniou's design philosophy recognizes that human beings define themselves through relationships and interactions with their environment and objects. Throbbing Stillness offers a unique opportunity for viewers to engage with the vessel and explore their own connections.

Throbbing Stillness was created in 2020 in Athens and exhibited at Milan Design Week 2021 as part of the 1000Vases exhibition. Its presence at this prestigious event showcases its significance in the world of contemporary ceramics and its ability to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking design.

Awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Fine Arts and Art Installation Design in 2022, Throbbing Stillness stands as a testament to Meleniou's creative ingenuity. This recognition is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place. Throbbing Stillness embodies these qualities, offering a unique and captivating experience for all who encounter it.