Featured Preview – Milan Design Week 2023
The language of shapes

Curves, lines, zigzags, black on white and white on black - Claudia Comte's (*1983) mixed media works are characterised by graphic geometries and organic patterns, from which she develops an abstract formal language. Craft is central to the Swiss artist's work, which is regularly shown in international exhibitions. In her work, she connects traditional, industrial and machine processes with a broad interest in the exploration of history and nature. Using natural materials such as wood and marble, she combines them with industrially manufactured elements. This results in site-specific installations and sculptures in a very unique language of forms that goes beyond the written word – dynamic, precise, intelligent and humorous.

"Language of Shapes": As part of this year's Milan Design Week, Comte is creating a limited collection for USM: a highboard, a sideboard and a sidetable, 50 of each will be produced. Rossignoli's iconic bicycle shop in Milan's Brera district serves as the exhibition space for these, including a unique piece by the artist that combines a larger USM Haller shelving solution with a work by Claudia Comte. The work refers to the special highlight of the Swiss furniture manufacturer's presentation: Design icon USM has teamed up with social enterprise The Skateroom, which provides supports international skate and educational non-profit organisations. The collection on the part of The Skateroom is also being completed with three limited editions – prints on skateboards hand-signed by the artist. Through the sale of the Comte collection, a social project in Jordan is financed that supports underprivileged youth. The project includes safe, inclusive skateparks and public spaces, free skateboarding lessons, school and art education. The non-profit company The Skateroom has been working with renowned artists from all over the world since 2014.

It will be interesting to see what the USM x The Skateroom collaboration with Claudia Comte will look like – one thing is certain: USM Haller sheets and zigzag patterns in black and white will characterise it.

Showroom USM
Rossignoli, Corso Garibaldi 71, Brera, Milan
20121 Milano MI, Italy

Opening hours:
17 to 23 April 2023
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.