Yeon Jinyeong's Aluminum Anodized series shows "contradictory beauty"

Bright aluminium pipes that have been hit, folded and welded into crumpled forms make up this furniture collection by South Korean designer Yeon Jinyeong.

The Aluminum Anodized collection comprises a series of crooked chairs and stools constructed from aluminium pipes that have been anodised – an electrochemical process that grants their surfaces a glossy, slightly iridescent, anodic oxide finish.

For the collection Jinyeong wanted to explore the "contradictory beauty" of things that have been abused. He used his seating to show how the objects could serve their purpose even when they look in poor condition.

The Seoul-based designer tapped, folded, hit, welded and "abused" the aluminium pipes before sanding and anodising them to give each piece a vibrant finish.

"We easily abuse man and things," said Jinyeong. "I wanted to depict an image of ourselves when we undergo criticism and abuse, but in the form of anodised aluminium."

"Aluminium pipes can be easily modified by sadistic practices and the changed shape cannot be put back," he continued.

The designer choose to use anodised the furniture to convey the idea that people can try to look "ostentatious" on the outside, but may not be able hide their pain.

"I am interested in things that are inferior, weak and uninterested," said Jinyeong. "What's been discarded and wasted can become good materials."

"My style of work is to create furniture using a variety of materials – as a result, everything that is not respected can have its beauty," he continued.

Despite looking damaged, the chairs are able to perform their usual function.

"You can sit down and use it, but it's never comfortable", Jinyeong told Dezeen. "In this way, I think the story about my contradictory beauty is complete."

Other designers exploring the possibilities of aluminium tubing include Belgian duo Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen, who created their Alltubes collection by lining up metal pipes in welded rows.

Surprised by the material's "beautiful wavy surface" and the way that light reacted to it, the pair used it to create a chair, a bench and a variety of cabinets.

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