Rex Kalehoff, Smoke Screen (WORLD 2024)

Photos:

David Angeletti @lcgdp.photo.agency

Country:

Luxembourg

“Smoke Screen” is a robust yet elegant, 5-panel adjustable room divider, in the form of an enveloping cloud of smoke. Created in alluring solid fumed oak, subtle variations in the rich, dark, natural tones and grain patterns are mesmerising and reminiscent of the ephemeral qualities of billowing smoke. While providing privacy, protection, and a striking silhouette backdrop to the space, this piece brings out the mystical, mythical, and magical in ones home and daily routine. Careful craftsmanship and engineering carry the simplicity of this design. I created a full-scale mockup in cardboard and transferred the overall layout of the design to the five edge-glued panels. To strengthen the thin proportions of the feet, threaded rod was inserted vertically into holes from beneath, epoxied, and plugged. Using a jigsaw, I cut the shape around the perimeter and completed the foot and cloud-shaping using various gouges and rasps. The final texture on the carved surfaces were left by the tooth of the bastard file, in contrast to the smoothly sanded faces of the panels. Continuous brass piano hinges were custom cut and shaped to firmly join the panels. Finally, the piece was finished entirely with a durable, noVOC, plant-based hardwax oil.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.