‘Objects, commodity products, or art works have functions for us that are not unlike words, language. We invented them for our own use and we communicate through them, thereby getting onto self-realization.’ – Haim Steinbach

Haim Steinbach’s highly aesthetic presentation of recognisable twentieth century design and pop objects is exemplified in the present work, Untitled (Lamp, Juicer). Placed purposefully on a sleek Formica and wooden shelf, rigorously designed with an acute attention to every last millimetre, a lamp and juicer are exhibited, stripped bare of their quotidian function and transported into an interrogative art world context. Designed by Philippe Starck, the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer has become visually iconic; with its futuristic alien legs and sleek pellet-like body, this object has become a kitchen implement with ‘aspirational desirability’ (Michael Czerwinski in Kate Watson-Smyth, ‘The Secret History Of: Philippe Starck's lemon squeezer’, The Independent, 13 May 2010, online). Another design classic, Jasper Morrison’s Glo-Ball light sits orb-like, nestled beside its slender neighbour, celestial in its emanating glow. Interested in the relationship of objects to conceptual art, Steinbach’s intentional placement of everyday implements explore our personal connections with physical objects, questioning how they create a visual syntax between the individual and collective audience.