'Drawn from Clay - Noordoostpolder' was an exhibition of organic origins from the Dutch design studio Atelier NL. Nadine Sterk and Lonny van Rijswijck, who together make up Atelier NL, spent months exploring the fields and researching the agricultural particularities of the Noordoostpolder region of central Netherlands. The resulting exhibition was a rigorous and beautiful presentation of their findings.
Initiated by Jurgen Bey and Rianne Makkink, the Noordoostpolder research project saw a handful of young designers studying the creation and development of the polder, or area. The locale was integral to the Dutch land reclamation program of the mid 20th century, carried out in order to improve flood protection and create additional land for agriculture. Consequently the Noordoostpolder is rich with both historical and geological disparity.
'Drawn From Clay' emphasised Atelier NL's sensitive and research-led approach to design. By presenting the geological samples, photographs and field analysis alongside their hand-thrown clay vessels made from the various soil deposits collected, Sterk and van Rijswijck addressed important issues of place, identity and worth.
