Based in Amsterdam, Droog is an anti-disciplinary design studio, driven by the endless curiosity and know-how of its original founders Renny Ramakers and Gijs Bakker. Ramakers? background as an art and design critic, art historian, curator and lecturer pairs perfectly with Bakker?s industrial design knowledge and passion for good design.
The pioneering spirit of Droog (which means ?dry? in Dutch) is undeniable, with the design studio seeing their projects, objects and ideas inspire many other designers worldwide and altering design preconceptions. Their highly conceptual approach is relatable and full of a generous amount of humour, and their modern designs respect (or work with) traditional processes to create a new originality.
Droog began in 1993 when Ramakers and Bakker noticed a group of design graduates creating a fresh take on contemporary design. Using re-purposed materials, the work told stories; had a playful air; and, most importantly, celebrated the ?imperfect?. Young Dutch designers Piet Hein Eek, Jurgen Bey, Tejo Remy, Hella Jongerius and Joris Laarman were all part of this new movement in Dutch design, contributing original and innovative ideas to a group show put on by Ramakers. Each designer, in their own way, combined a known element with a very known design, in a truly unexpected and original way. Droog have exhibited around the world, with works gracing the MoMa in New York. Marcel Wanders? well-renowned Knotted Chair now sits in the Pompidou in Paris. I...