Interior designer and furniture maker Max Copolov with interior designer and artist Hua Li, present Fiction of Space, an exhibition at the Bates Smart Gallery in Melbourne. Launched on 1^st August the exhibition includes marquetry furniture and artworks by Copolov and mirrors from Li.

As a collaborative exhibition, the objects combine to explore the theme of the relationship between space and the individual, as well as the limitless potential of imagination. The exhibition provokes the viewer to contemplate the significance of craftmanship in the modern world through the pair’s particular artistic expressions.

As background, Copolov and Li met at Bates Smart when working together as interior designers. Each found their way, through their passions, to a more focused area of design: Copolov with furniture design and marquetry work and Li with art and the reflective qualities of mirror. Their shared ideas are in sync in Fiction of Space, with the individual bodies of work complementing the other and together creating a total visual experience.

Drawing from his experiences travelling in Venice, Copolov offers a selection of marquetry tables in timber and timber veneer. Beautifully designed, each is detailed and a signature piece, with the imagery influenced by the splendid architecture of Venice.

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This is a modern interpretation of marquetry that draws the viewer to contemplate the everyday vignettes of the ancient city. Unlike more traditional marquetry work that would examine grand architectural visions or complex patterns, those that Copolov has included in his work are the small and charming snapshots of life that one might find wandering the laneways of The Floating City. The artwork on walls also created by Copolov, is complex and layered and adds to the gravitas of the exhibition.

On the other hand, Li explores the idea of the mirror that reflects not only the person but place. Li sees the mirror as a metaphor for introspection and in the context of the exhibition, this ubiquitous material becomes an object to magnify the surroundings and, of course, the art and furniture.

Each piece from the talented duo is handmade and meticulously created. Traditional craft becomes the impetuous for a reinterpretation of form for Copolov, while the mirrors from Li provide reflection and a shaping of space.

Fiction of Space is an exhibition that combines the talents of two rising stars in the realm of art and making. Each has given great thought and time to exploring their genre and combining their expertise makes for a rich and experiential journey for the viewer.

Fiction of Space is now showing at the Bates Smart Gallery in Melbourne until the 19^th August and everyone is welcome to visit.

Max Copolov
Website: maxcopolov.com
Instagram: @maxrwc

Hua Li
Website: hualimelbourne.com
Instagram: @huali_melbourne

Photography
Max Copolov, Hua Li

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