Designers Dom Cheng and Fallon Robar of Nonument discuss collaboration – and the Festival – as means to share work and form meaningful connections.
How would you describe your profession and your practice?
Although we come from different design backgrounds (architecture and web design), we’ve been able to experiment and seamlessly merge our strengths to create unique art and design experiences.
Has your work changed over the course of your career?
Nonument began as an architectural practice without a particular philosophy or grand worldview – we were just interested in collaborating with creatives and making unique spaces and objects that were functional. Over time, we’ve learned to chase our curiosities by experimenting in new areas such as product and furniture design.
Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?
Inspiration for us is typically a byproduct of our ongoing conversations about everyday life. Continuous dialogue allows us to make interesting connections and combine our lived and shared experiences.
Which designers or artists inspire you and why?
Dom: Currently, I draw inspiration from a universe that includes the work of sculptor Henry Moore, film director Christopher Nolan, and architect Jean Prouvé.
Fallon: I’m always finding new artists to be inspired by, mostly via social media. Tuija Heikkinen (Finland) and Vanessa Barragão (Portugal) are two textile artists whose work I’m currently enamored with.
What is the name of your 2024 DesignTO Festival exhibition, and what can attendees expect to experience?
‘MADE BY HUMANS’ explores the ongoing dialogue between technology and human craftsmanship, initiating conversations around how technological integration might challenge traditional notions of ‘hand-crafted.’ Attendees can expect an intricate textile piece that brings the often obscured role of technology in handcrafted pieces to the forefront of conversation.
How long have you been involved with DesignTO? Why is DesignTO important to the creative community, here as well as abroad?
It’s our first year participating together, though Dom has participated as a solo designer in previous years. For some designers who may typically work independently, the Festival provides an opportunity to form meaningful connections and a forum to share their work.
Lastly, what random fact about yourself would you like to share with the DesignTO community?
We’re big fans of giant antique malls – the bigger and more cluttered, the better!
‘MADE BY HUMANS’ is just one of over 100 free window installations, exhibitions and events at the 2024 DesignTO Festival, January 19-28, 2024. Visit the Festival Schedule to learn more about ‘MADE BY HUMANS’ and other projects.
