The temporality and function in the work of Grupo Bondi

The exhibition "Hyperpainting. Color, accident, time" by Grupo Bondi, at Satsch Gallery, offers a deep reflection on the nature of art and industrial design. The works, which include chairs, tables, and lamps, not only challenge traditional categories of functional art but also explore the relationship between time, the production process, and materiality.

Central to the artistic narrative of the exhibition is the production process of the pieces. The metal structures, covered by successive layers of thermosetting powder paint, become a canvas where the passage of time and industrial intervention visibly manifest. For a period of approximately three months, the pieces were hung in the factory, subjected to a continuous process of paint application, reflecting not only an aesthetic intervention but also a productive necessity: the factory applied colors according to its own production demands, painting trays for freezers, among other products. This approach highlights a deliberate and conscious collaboration between artistic practice and industry, used by the artists to explore and reflect on Argentinian identity from an industrial perspective, creating a work that is simultaneously a record of time and a testimony to function.

The resulting pieces, with surfaces that reveal topologies of color and texture due to the sanding of certain areas, present themselves as hybrid artifacts. They are not merely utilitarian objects nor purely sculptures; they inhabit an intermediate space that questions the conventions of art and design. The fact that the hooks used to hang the pieces have not been removed reinforces this duality, keeping the creation process and its industrial history visible.

In terms of functionality, Grupo Bondi plays with the notion that its works are not intended for superficial and immediate consumption of design. The pieces, while functional, do not conform to being mere furniture; they are loaded with meaning that goes beyond their everyday use. This approach resonates with the group’s philosophy, which considers design as a means to explore poetic and political issues. The conscious choice of final colors, with burgundy and green tones, not only adds a final aesthetic layer but also indicates a deliberate artistic decision in a process that might otherwise seem random and dictated by the machine.

The work of Grupo Bondi presents an innovative exploration of the dialogue between form and function. The pieces are not only designed to be functional but also to testify to the process of their creation. The choice to leave the hooks used to hang the pieces visible and to sand certain areas to reveal the accumulated layers of paint underscores the passage of time and the production process. These elements not only add an aesthetic dimension to the works but also invite reflection on the nature of art and industry, and how these fields can intertwine to produce something that is both beautiful and functional.

The reuse of processes and materials from an operating factory reflects a focus on sustainability. Although the use of thermosetting powder paint is not inherently sustainable, the way Grupo Bondi incorporates an already existing production process resonates with principles of sustainability and circular economy. By incorporating a production process that is already underway, the pieces not only avoid additional waste but also comment on the potential to reuse and recontextualize industrial elements in art and design.

The interaction between the user and the object manifests uniquely in "Hyperpainting". The works invite spectators to contemplate not only their aesthetics but also their functionality and industrial origin. This duality creates an experience in which the user not only utilizes the objects but also becomes an observer of the industrial and artistic processes that made them possible.

The exhibition not only invites reflection on the relationship between art and design but also on how the works can be viewed and understood from the margins. Just as Borges' literary work questions how to traverse the cultural center from the periphery, Grupo Bondi poses a similar dialogue in the context of art and design. In this sense, "Hyperpainting" is both an aesthetic exploration and a statement about the possibility of finding value and meaning in the margins of what is traditionally accepted.

"Hyperpainting. Color, accident, time" is an exhibition that challenges our conceptions of art and design, presenting works that are both functional and deeply reflective. Grupo Bondi, through its unique production process and conceptual approach, creates pieces that are simultaneously a commentary on the industry and a poetic exploration of time and materiality. With their innovative approach and commitment to exploring new forms and materials, they continue to challenge preconceived notions of what art and design can be, and how they can interact with our everyday life and cultural identity.