Like learning a new dance, collaborative practice can often be ‘sketchy’ and uncomfortable at first, not to mention the reality of working with others can be challenging –  and there is always the possibility of failure.

Tandem is a project that challenges the way we as individuals make and create in collaboration with others. Over the course of six months, seven innovative young design practices have been invited to develop two works: one individually and one in tandem with another practice of their choosing.

Culminating in an annual exhibition of the project, these works will showcase the movement towards collaborative design, with the distilling of many ideas into a singular outcome. Experimental in nature, the project asks, ‘What is the role of the individual in collaborative projects?’, ‘What is the true nature of designing and producing?’ and most importantly, ‘Can we play nice?’

Tandem curator Christel Hadiwibawa explains, “It is this tension between what could work and what might not work. It makes collaboration such an interesting topic to explore. One of our objectives with Tandem is to dive into the practicalities involved in collaborative projects on a local level, and gauge the impact it has on the creative community of artists and designers.”

This year’s Tandem edition sees the inclusion of interstate designers Alison Jackson, March Studio: Rigmarole, Hugh Altschwager and Daniel Lorrimer alongside Sydney locals Evie Group, Ben Wahrlich and Laura Lay. On display will be the finished works, as well as documentation of the collaborative process. These exciting works include furniture, fashion, lighting and objects.

The exhibition continues until November 9. TANDEM is an initiative of design house ChristelH and He Made She Made.

Official Launch – TANDEM

Date: Thursday 29 October, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence Street, Sydney

Q&A Luncheon – IN TANDEM

Date: Saturday 31 October, 11.30am – 1:00pm
Location: Gaffa Gallery, 281 Clarence Street, Sydney

Tickets are free, but RSVP is essential. To book your tickets, please click here.

Tandem Project
thetandemproject.com
@thetandemproject #thetandemproject #tandem2015

Hero photograph: Alison Jackson (ACT) collaborates with Kelly Austin (CANADA/ACT)

Photograph 1: Evie Group (NSW) collaborates with Jonathan Blake (NSW)

Photograph 2: Inkstermaken (VIC) collaborates with Adam Lynch (VIC)

Photograph 3: Dan Lorrimer (ACT) collaborates with Elliot Bastianon (ACT)

Photograph 4: Laura Lay (NSW) collaborates with Winston Mitchell (NSW/VIC)

Photograph 5: March Studio: Rigmarole (VIC) collaborates with Melinda Piesse (VIC)

Photograph 6: Anaesthetic (NSW) collaborates with Tim Wahrlich (NSW)