Clipped Cube by Ron Gilad

When presented against a neutral background, black outlines have a quality reminiscent of pen marks on paper: three dimensionality is revealed when viewed from different angles, as if seeing a Patrick Caulfield painting come to life. A number of contemporary designers are applying this graphic approach to products and furniture, inviting the viewer to fill in the negative spaces to gain an understanding of form and function.

Thin Black Lines chair by Nendo

The Thin Black Lines range, released by Nendo last year, is influenced by Japanese calligraphy and hints at surfaces that don’t exist.

Weave Bookshelf by Chicako Ibaraki

An added dimension is created by whatever is placed on the horizontal planes of Chicako Ibaraki’s minimal bookshelf.

Kishu composition by Maya Selway

The tapered form of these delicate metal vessels directly references the stroke of a paintbrush.

Dining Table by Ron Gilad

This table is part of a collection designed by Gilad that explores our relationship with the built environment and our understanding of space and perspective. Surfaces and openings are intimated and so we begin to construct an image of the solid mass that could encompass them.

This intriguing trend takes monochrome minimalism to its logical conclusion and the graphically striking forms of these products challenge perceptions of dimensionality and functionality.