The Maison & Objet, a cornerstone in the sphere of interior design and creative industries since 1995, once again opened its doors from January 16 to 20, 2025, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center. Drawing over 67,000 attendees from more than 140 countries, this event has solidified its status as a global hub for design innovation. The 2025 winter edition, themed “Emotional Thinking and Craft Thinking,” provided a vibrant platform for industry leaders, emerging talents, and global brands to converge and showcase their latest creations.
EXHIBITIONS
Among the invited exhibitors was Desz, which curated a compelling exhibition featuring works by nine renowned artists from North America, London, and China. A standout at this gathering was the collaborative project between Xena Zhang and Nanxi Jin, titled “Translucent Radiance.” This project not only aligned with but embodied the event’s theme by demonstrating how art and design could stir emotions through a combination of craftsmanship and creativity.
“Translucent Radiance” explores the delicate balance between advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship. The artwork is inspired by the natural Voronoi patterns often seen in leaf and wing structures. The Voronoi pattern is a fascinating geometric configuration where each point within a specific region is closer to the ‘seed’ within that region than to any other outside it. This pattern delineates boundaries in such a way that any point along the edge of a region is precisely equidistant from the two closest seeds. Such patterns are ubiquitous in nature and can be observed in varied contexts, from the intricate networks in cracked mud and the unique patches on giraffe skin to the symmetrical yet random formations of foamy bubbles.
The installation utilizes intricate 3D-printed resin frameworks, engineered using advanced parametric modeling techniques. These are thoughtfully paired with handcrafted ceramic panels that boast high transparency, marrying the accuracy of digital fabrication with the nuanced beauty of artisanal craftsmanship. This interplay of materials and methods invites a dialogue between internal and external spaces, urging viewers to explore the concept of translucence not just as a physical quality but as a metaphorical inquiry into unseen depths.
The installation’s ability to manipulate light and shadow not only highlights its architectural influences but also creates a dynamic sensory experience. As light filters through the ceramic panels, it casts evolving patterns that transform the space and provoke contemplation about the visible and the hidden, the overt and the subtle. “Translucent Radiance” serves as a bridge between innovation and tradition, emphasizing a harmonious balance across technology and heritage, nature and design, craft and engineering.
Exhibiting at Maison & Objet has highlighted the significant role of “Translucent Radiance” in advancing the dialogue between art, design, and emotion. This project challenges traditional views on transparency, pushing creative boundaries and celebrating the rich, interconnected web of various disciplines.
Xena Zhang, based in Chicago, is an architect and a visionary cross-disciplinary artist known for transcending conventional boundaries. Her work uniquely combines parametric design, advanced technology, and traditional techniques to create immersive spatial experiences. Driven by curiosity and relentless experimentation, Zhang continuously explores and innovates across a variety of mediums.
Nanxi Jin, a ceramic artist, integrates the serene aesthetics of Eastern traditions with the conceptual freedom fostered by Western art education. With over a decade of experience in the United States, Jin’s artwork celebrates a blend of cultural heritage and modern innovation, creating pieces that are both introspective and groundbreaking.
Together, Zhang and Jin’s collaboration on “Translucent Radiance” epitomizes their shared commitment to merging diverse disciplines. Their work explores the poetic synergy between innovation and heritage, offering fresh perspectives and enriching experiences through design. Their participation in Maison & Objet 2025 not only showcases their individual skills but also underscores their collective impact on reshaping the contemporary landscape of art and design.
