Showcasing the work of designers from Canada and abroad, ‘Lucid Ideas’ is a group prototype exhibition exploring translucency through concept, material and form. The exhibition features new work by Annaka Hoelk, Atelier Fomenta (Florence Barnabé, Julia Arvelo and Muriel Bentolila), Hsiao-Chien Hung, Lara Knutson Studio, Jordi Lopez Aguilo, Mark Malecki, NONUMENT (Dom Cheng & Fallon Robar), Polymetis (Michaela MacLeod & Nicholas Croft), Stephanie Singh, and Kenyon Yeh.

As a concept, translucency offers ambiguity, a sense of illusion and complexity. As a material, it allows light to pass through, while scattering or reflecting it, to blur or obscure. Through material and form we can use translucent properties to create unique visual outcomes that conceal, diffuse, or reveal. In doing so, we can engage with dimension and space. From glass and resin to paper and plastic, every material can be manipulated in some way to design what is seen and how it’s perceived. To what extent can the process of obscuring light be transformative? This exhibition highlights various examples of how translucency can be considered in homeware design.

Previous editions of ‘Lucid Ideas’ were ‘Purpose & Play’, Work/Life’ and ‘Compact Living’. A jury will recognize best-in-show with a Best Product award and a cash prize. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to cast their vote to award Fan Favourite in-store or online.

A jury will recognize best-in-show with a Best Product award and a cash prize. A jury will recognize best-in-show with a Best Product award and a cash prize. Best Product award jurors include adé abegunde (Programs Coordinator, DesignTO), Matt Carr (VP of Design, Umbra), Jeremy Do Hyun Joo (artist and Founder, JDH Projects), and Deborah Wang (Artistic Director, DesignTO).

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to cast their vote to award Fan Favourite in-store or online.

‘Lucid Ideas’ is organized by DesignTO in partnership with Umbra, and supported by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and Government of Ontario, with media partner AZURE Magazine.

DesignTO is a non-profit arts organization that brings people together to design a better future, one that is more sustainable, just, and joyful. We curate exhibitions, presentations and educational programming to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design.