Should we expect abstract art to be immediately accessible? When not understood, John Pawson’s fearless spareness of aesthetics are labeled as ostentatious emptiness. Pawson’s rediscovery of the value of empty space, is worth the trouble.
“Emptiness allows us to see space as it is, to see architecture as it is, preventing it from being corrupted, or hidden, by the incidental debris of paraphernalia of every day life.”
- John Pawson.
Baron House in Sweden, was designed by British architect, John Pawson for Creative Director, Fabien Baron. Fabien has spearheaded Calvin Klein’s revolutionary advertising campaigns, including the Calvin Klein spring 2011 collection’s ad campaign. Owner of the advertising and design company, Baron & Baron Inc., Fabien’s signature is negative space—a sassy combination of client/architect design principles.
The modesty of Baron’s house scale is striking. The whiteness of the rural architecture contrasts with the surroundings while also blending with them. The landscape can also be experienced from the central courtyard of the house.
Mr. Pawson’s simplicity of style requires formal cleanliness. Apparently, there is resistance to what requires a compromise after all. So, why not compromise with a bang? Optimism found.
Photography by Jens Weber, Fabien Baron.