The Stalker: A Philosophical Dialogue in Furniture Form

A Chest of Drawers Designed by Milincu Camil and Tudoran Otilia

One of the things the Covid-19 Pandemic did to us was to make us reflect upon ourselves. The Stalker is a vessel for our alter ego, constantly and obsessively looking back. As the mirror image must have a soul, items, memory anchors of our past self are kept in its drawers, concealed behind a vertical dark texture. This piece of furniture creates a visual and philosophical dialogue with anyone who interacts with it. Inspired by a person who discovers their partner's secrets, the Stalker relates to the other person almost as to themselves, as a mirror image, while keeping mysterious drawers.

The Stalker is a unique and captivating piece of furniture that demands attention. It stares into one's soul, reflecting facets of the viewer's self. Designed as a mystery chest of drawers, the Stalker features four prismatic mirrors (corner reflectors) that reflect the viewer's eyes from every point they stand. This creates an intriguing visual experience and invites a philosophical contemplation of one's identity. The Stalker's hidden drawers, concealed behind a vertical dark texture, add an element of mystery and intrigue to the design.

Constructed using beechwood, ash wood, plywood, mirror, galvanized steel, and tinned steel, the Stalker stands at 400 mm x 400 mm x 1700 mm in size. Its eleven non-identical drawers are unevenly distributed on all four sides of the piece, with each drawer fitting into the whole depth of the structure. The plywood drawers feature a texture of wooden vertical wands, seamlessly integrating them within the overall design. Tinned steel handles indicate the position of the drawers, adding a touch of modernity to the piece.

The creation of the Stalker was an organic and experimental process. The piece was built manually, with careful attention to detail. The legs, made of vertical welded steel, had to be bent to properly support the wooden structure. The design decisions were made at a detailed level, reflecting the belief in the art of craftsmanship. The construction and finishing of the Stalker underwent multiple iterations and tests to achieve the desired aesthetic and functionality.

Positioned as a freestanding piece in a room, the Stalker invites interaction from all sides. From a distance, one can see their reflection centered on the dominant eye of the piece. As one approaches closer, the corner reflector reveals multiple reflections, both normal and flipped, creating a play of perspectives. The slight slant and vertical texture of the Stalker further enhance the spatial orientation and sensory experience for the viewer.

The Stalker is not just a piece of furniture; it is a work of art that blurs the boundaries between art and furniture design. Its thought-provoking design and unique features make it a conversation starter and a statement piece in any space. The Stalker was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2022, recognizing its outstanding creativity and contribution to the field of fine arts and art installation design.

Image Credits: Photographer Diana Bilec, The Stalker, 2022.