Poker Things: A Unique and Political Design

An Artistic Representation of Playing Cards

Each symbol in the 'Poker Things' design represents a different social class from the 14th century. Hearts symbolize the nobles and the church, spades represent the army, diamonds represent the middle class, and clubs represent the peasantry. By bringing these historical associations into the present, the 'Poker Things' design combines the shine of glossy paint with the symbolic power of these shapes, creating a unique and meaningful addition to any living space.

The realization of this design involves a meticulous process. The square base of each piece is carefully coated with glossy black paint by hand, requiring exceptional craftsmanship. The symbols themselves are crafted using different materials such as bronze, brass, and silver, adding depth and texture to the design. Each component is meticulously assembled by professional artisans, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail.

The 'Poker Things' design stands at a height of 9.5 cm and has a width of 14 cm, making it a compact yet impactful piece of art. Its versatility allows it to function as a paper holder, book holder, or accessory, adding both style and functionality to any space. The identical heights, weights, and designs of the pieces symbolize equality, while the different coat options offer customization to suit individual preferences.

Creating the 'Poker Things' design presented its fair share of challenges. The glossy paint used for the base square parts, known as piano black, proved to be a demanding material during the prototype phase. However, through perseverance and experimentation, the team successfully achieved the desired glossy finish. Additionally, the cover finishes initially caused bubbles on the square base, but with professional expertise, this issue was overcome, resulting in a flawless final product.

The 'Poker Things' design project was undertaken in Istanbul, starting and finishing in March 2015. Extensive research was conducted to achieve the desired glossy look, leading to the use of piano black glossy paint for the base square part. The symbol part of the design was meticulously crafted in the studio, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technological tools to create a truly unique work of art.

Sebnem Buhara, the mastermind behind the 'Poker Things' design, has created a truly exceptional piece that has garnered recognition and acclaim. This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2017. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making a positive impact on the world.