Joshua Space Fun Mirrors Take You to Another Dimension

Many people find the idea of ​​outer space overwhelming due to its infinite nature, the mystery of black holes, and how small and inconsequential it can make you feel. But Melbourne-based artist and designer Joshua Space says he finds comfort in the unknown.

“I’ve always been in space, ever since when I was a child, I had those stars that glowed in the dark on my ceiling,” says Space. Spreadsheet. “I find the idea of ​​space very humbling. It’s so big and gives a beautiful perspective to see things.”

Looking at Space’s Void mirror collection evokes the same feeling. The frayed colored edges of the glass draw you into its reflection – much like the pull of a black hole – with a slightly distorted image where the paint meets the mirror. There are many powder-coated shades layered in a wavy pattern for you to choose from, including light blue, purple, red, lime, navy, and lilac.

While we often see mirrors as something to look at ourselves, Space’s designs are an opportunity to look in a different way at other things reflected in the interiors where they hang. It could be the white walls of a gallery, the colors of Zoë Foster Blake’s dream home, or even the fun interiors of Good Times Pilates.

With a background in graphic and textile design, Space says he has been making art “for as long as he can remember”. “As a child I knew I would be an artist or an architect. My mom is a kindergarten teacher and was the best at supporting any ideas I had to make this happen, which gave me an open mind when approaching something new.”

While mirrors are its bread and butter, Space also works with recycled materials to create colorful planters made from 100% post-consumer plastic found in milk bottles, bottle caps, and other single-use plastic waste. Plus, there’s a limited-edition recycled chair that pays homage to Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata’s iconic chair. Glass chair.

Much of Space’s work is a hybrid of art and design, often leaving the designer in a tug of war between self-expression and creating functional pieces. Recently he has leaned more into his expressive side. “We often think of things in certain terms, as if it has to be one thing or another,” explains Space. “But in reality, nothing is certain and there is more than one way to see things, and that really inspired my work with mirrors. I see them more as art than mirrors.”

His designs have appeared in a number of gallery exhibitions, most recently Reverie, a collaboration with Sydney creative Tan Arlidge at Darlinghurst’s Rainbow Studios, and Light Spectrum, hosted at his Collingwood studio.

The space is currently in the planning stages for a solo exhibition in Melbourne, which will be its largest yet. In 2023, it also collaborated with car brand Mini to create a Void mirror sculpture made from recycled plastic, which was installed in the sand dunes of Wilsons Promontory. The project explored how automotive materials can be broken down and reused.

Many of Space’s pieces can be purchased online or by appointment at Spacebound, his studio in Collingwood. There is also the option to order custom pieces in virtually any size, shape and color.

joshuaspace.com.au
@joshua.space