Instructions for Understanding Link

Big-Game
Design Overview
Stichting Kunstboek
2008

A book retracing BIG-GAME’s work since 2004, with contributions by Pierre Keller, Françoise Foulon, Pierre Doze, Alexandra Midal, Max Borka, Dieter Van Den Storm, Didier Krzentowksi, Jonathan Olivares, Urs Honegger, Milo Keller, Fabrice Samyn and Giampiero Pitisci.

1. Discern that Link is a close relative of fifteenth century European chandeliers, which were made with rudimentary wooden crosses that held single candles on metal spikes at their outer most points, and were hoisted with rope so that they could be lowered and raised as candles needed to be replaced.

2. Realize that Link, in its simple construction, disaffirms the decorative features that have existed in lead crystal, cast metal, ormolu and bronze chandeliers.

3. Observe that Link features incandescent bulbs, and mind that this is how chandeliers have been lit since electricity became widely distributed in the early twentieth century.

4. Consider that Link’s cables power the bulbs and suspend the chandelier, then note the common economy of function between these and the ropes of hoist-able chandeliers, which suspended the chandelier and facilitated frequent candle replacement.

5. Think of how the high cost of candles made chandeliers a symbol of status for the nobility of the fifteenth century, and comprehend the irony of Link when you realize that today’s bulbs costs very little and when left bare even connote poverty.

6. See Link’s double symbolism: modularity referenced from mid-twentieth century American and European modernism, and playful engineering found in British Meccano Toys from the early twentieth century.

7. Deduce that laser cutting sheet aluminum is a contemporary manufacturing method, which is cost effective when manufacturing small quantities of a given product.

8. Know that Big-Game’s products, as many contemporary European designs, have use and symbolic values, but are strongly appreciated for their conceptual value and their ability to engage subjects in interesting mental activity. Then appreciate that Link explores and expresses its theme with poignant humor, mental acuity and bold construction.

9. Follow or disregard the previous instructions and form your own understanding of Link.

Link