Israeli designer Albi Serfati seamlessly blends aesthetics and functionality with socially significant ideas.
He not only adds practicality to his postmodern art pieces but also expresses his concerns about the planet’s issues through contemporary forms and cutting-edge technology.
Take, for example, his new series “Light on Water,” composed of original lighting fixtures. Albi Serfati dedicated this series to the ecology of lakes, aiming to draw the world’s attention to the dire state of freshwater lakes suffering from human impact: they are becoming polluted and drying up.
As the founder and creative director of Aqua Creations, Serfati didn’t just design creative sources of artificial light. These works tell stories about environmental issues and the consequences of the destruction of Earth’s flora and fauna, as noted by Designboom.
The “Light on Water” series includes floor lamps, table lamps, wall and ceiling fixtures, as well as a mobile phone. To convey socially relevant messages through his designs, Serfati utilized the reflective effect of rust-resistant steel and his favorite signature material—colored silk. Both metal and fabric skillfully achieved the artist’s goal: they simulated the presence of water, reflecting surrounding objects.
The sensual “water” emotions emanate from the key element of the series—the “Lotus Lakes.” Its 17 movable shades project light onto the steel, creating the illusion of sunlight bathing in water. Some of the fixtures from this new collection are named after lakes that require human care, such as Chad in Central Africa or Doiran on the border of Greece and North Macedonia.
According to the artist, this conceptual series should be seen by public figures whose decisions impact the fate of our planet. Therefore, Albi Serfati chose the prestigious Design Miami 2022 exhibition as the first venue to showcase “Light on Water” (taking place in Miami Beach, USA, from November 30 to December 4). After the presentation, the exclusive lighting fixtures will be available for those who appreciate and wish to purchase them.
By the way, designer and photographer Albi Serfati founded Aqua Creations in 1992 with his wife, artist Ayala Serfati. The studio team draws inspiration from natural forms while creating enchanting original light fixtures. They develop lighting objects on a commission basis—tailored to individual projects.