Mutant Matter: FranklinTill x Dutch Invertuals

“For designers the topic of materiality is a sensitive matter. Given its social aspect it can weigh heavy on our shoulders.”

In early-March design futures agency FranklinTill launched Radical Matter, a book spotlighting designers around the world pioneering new materials and processes. Now, inspired by the ideas explored in the book’s pages, experimental design collective Dutch Invertuals are collaborating with FranklinTill on Mutant Matter – an exhibition of radical design concepts and considerations for a new material future. “The Radical Matter book inspired us to observe and explore the drastic evolution of materials,” says Heesakkers, a project manager at the collective. “Together with FranklinTill we will present a vision of a small chapter of this broad and socially involved topic.”

Mutant Matter will see 10 Dutch Invertuals designers each present a concept of how the evolution and mutation of materials might be harnessed to bring about a more livable future. Works include entirely new materials and revaluations of old ones, experiments with recycled objects and repurposed waste streams, and radical new methods of making and thinking about design.

The show doesn’t end at the exhibition space (which, in case you are wondering, is located at Via Pastrengo, 12 in Milan’s Isola neighbourhood). FranklinTill founders and Radical Matter authors Kate Franklin and Caroline Till have curated a programme of talks to accompany the exhibition. On Wednesday 18 April, the duo question to what extent waste is a design issue, and on Thursday 19 April they explore the distinctions between organic and human-made matter. The talks programme will be complemented by a series of detailed essays by FranklinTill delving into the issues explored by Radical Matter and Mutant Matter.

By adopting such a multi-dimensional approach to the exhibition, Dutch Invertuals and FranklinTill hope to provoke discussion and incite change. “By questioning material innovation and presenting various visions for the future we hope to make a real difference.”