Studio Job is the “invention” of Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, founded in 2000 after the couple’s graduation from the Design Academy of Eindhoven, Netherlands.
In this design studio the Renaissance spirit meets modern techniques, to produce unique, out of this world objects, obscure pieces, sculptures, furniture, editions, installations, interiors and public commissions, all defined by an extravagance and a heightened personality, afar from the trendy minimalism of industrial design. Their work is in fact more in line with the tradition of decorative arts. One of the most influential design teams, that exalts the term of real craftsmanship and technique while blurring the lines between art and design, the abstract and the functional, fact and fantasy.
“We want to build up an oeuvre, not score a few hits.” (Job Smeets)
“Our work is becoming increasingly expressive and our approach increasingly experimental.” (Nynke Tynagel).
The unbeatable duo, have evolved into the contemporary pioneers of personal expression. In their 15-years of creative trajectory, they have conquered projects, which are distinguished by a passion for detail, freedom of expression and a synthesis of 2D and 3D. Their work paints design through extraordinary materials and techniques in an unparalleled creative process and autonomous style, which has been often described as “New Gothic” and “Neobaroque”.
Monumentalism, maximalism, originality opulence, cynicism, humor, irony, fantasy and dreaminess are some of the key features behind the extraordinary creations of the Dutch duo.
Studio Job’s creative zest spells diverse stimuli: from cartoons to historic and iconographic motifs, to period furniture and simple everyday objects.
Their work is collected by the most prominent museums around the world among others the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris, and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
Studio Job recently created their own Studio Job suite in the charismatic capital of Amsterdam. This “Fun House” is an interior commission to them, where the conversation between the historical and the contemporary is unfolded. Outlandish yet practical with a kaleidoscopic background, becomes the host to important art and design.
‘These projects are partly an effort in conservation. They’re not merely a styling exercise, rather the aim is to create contextually relevant environments that pay respect to the local design and architecture traditions….but they’re also about collaborations with contemporary designers and even with the dead.’ (Job Smeets)
You can either love them or hate them, however the sure thing is that Smeets and Tynagel leave everyone impressed, with their rebellious and boundless attitude when it comes to creating their own universe.
Content / Words Annie Markitanis
Picture 1 ©Studio Job - Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel
Picture 2 ©Studio Job - Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel
Picture 3 ©Studio Job - OXIDIZED (2003) Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel dancing in front of a series of oxidized metal sculptures they created
Picture 4 ©Studio Job Suite, Amsterdam, 2015 / Photo by Lonneke Van Der Palen
Picture 5 ©Studio Job, Time Bomb, 2013, Mantel clock piece with 2 candle holders
Picture 5 ©Studio Job, BIG BEN (AFTERMATH) 2009
Picture 6 ©Studio Job, Burj Khalifa, 2013 - 2014
Picture 7 ©Studio Job, Cat fight (duo)
Picture 8 ©Studio Job, Containers II
Picture 9 ©Studio Job, Corruption, Art and Industry, 2009
Picture 10 ©Studio Job, Faena Fountain, 2012-2014 / Photo by Loek Blonk
Picture 11 ©Studio Job, Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, Wonderland, 2010
Picture 12 ©Studio Job, Land Rover / Automobile, 2013
Picture 13 ©Studio Job, Monkey Business, 2013
Picture 13 ©Studio Job, Pouring Jug III, 2011-2013
Picture 13 ©Studio Job, Wrecking Ball Lamp, 2010
Picture 14 ©Studio Job, Robber Baron Clock, 2007
Picture 14 ©Studio Job, Robber Baron Safe, 2007
Picture 14 ©Studio Job, Robber Baron Standing Lamp, 2007
Picture 15 ©Studio Job, Robber Baron Table, 2007
Picture 16 ©Studio Job, The Banana Show
Picture 17 ©Studio Job, The Groniger Museum
Picture 18 ©Studio-Job,-Tour-Eiffel,-2012
Picture 19 ©Studio-Job,-Wallpaper-Archives-1
Picture 20 ©Studio-Job,-Wallpaper-Archives-2
Picture 21 ©Studio-Job,-Wonderland,-2010
Picture 22 ©Studio-Job