Joshua Space’s playful mirrors will transport you to another dimension

For many people, the idea of ​​outer space is overwhelming due to its infinite nature, the mystery of black holes, and how small and insignificant it can make you feel. But Melbourne artist and designer Joshua Space says he finds solace in the unknown.

“I’ve always been into space, ever since I had glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling as a kid,” Space says. Leaflet. “I find the idea of ​​space very humbling. It’s so big and gives a great perspective to see what’s going on.”

A look at the Void mirror collection from Space evokes the same feeling. The frayed colored edges of the glass pull you towards your reflection – much like the pull of a black hole – with a slightly distorted image where the paint meets the mirror. There are a variety of powder-coated shades to choose from in a wavy pattern, including baby blue, purple, red, lime green, navy and lilac.

Although we often view mirrors as something in which we can see ourselves, Space projects are an opportunity to take a different look at other things reflected in the interiors where they hang. It could be the white gallery walls, the colors of Zoe Foster Blake’s dreamy home, or even the playful interiors of Good Times Pilates.

With a background in graphic design and textiles, Space says he has been making art “as long as he can remember.” “As a child, I knew that I would become either an artist or an architect. My mom is a kindergarten teacher and has been the best supporter of any idea I have, which has given me the ability to keep an open mind when approaching something new.”

While mirrors are his bread and butter, Space also works with recycled materials, creating colorful flower pots made from 100% recycled plastic found in milk bottles, bottle caps and other single-use plastic waste. There’s also a limited edition chair made from recycled materials that pays homage to iconic Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata. 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 objects. Lately, he has found himself leaning more towards his expressive side. “We often think of things in certain terms, as if it must be one thing or the other,” explains Space. “But nothing is really set in stone and there are multiple ways of looking at things, and that’s what really inspired my work with mirrors. I see them more as art than as mirrors.”

His work has been featured in a number of gallery exhibitions, most recently Reverie, a collaboration with Sydney creative Tan Arlidge at Darlinghurst’s Rainbow Studios, and Light Spectrum, held at his Collingwood studio.

Space is currently in the planning stages of a solo exhibition in Melbourne, which will be his largest to date. In 2023, he also collaborated with car brand Mini to create a mirror sculpture, Void, made from recycled plastic, which was installed in the sand dunes of Wilsons Point. The project explored how automotive materials can be disassembled and reused.

Many of Space’s works can be purchased online or by appointment at Spacebound, his studio in Collingwood. It is also possible to order products of almost any size, shape and color.

joshuaspace.com.au
@joshua.space