La Déesse
2nd prize in the competition on the topic of “Myth” sponsored by the Danner Foundation Munich
The myth as such is a message and this can also be preserved in objects. When admirers of the DS stroke its shiny fender, it seems to have magical powers. Its magic and at the same time banality lies in its versatility. In a broader sense, myth also refers to people, things and events of high symbolic significance.
The DS
Designed by the sculptor Flmaninio Bertoni, the DS amazed and ecstatic audiences when it was unveiled in 1955. The car provided technical innovations that even other luxury cars could only dream of. Power steering, disc brakes and a gearshift with automatic clutch actuation were operated with the typical Citroen hydropneumatic system. It lets a DS float on clouds and gives passengers a feeling of lightness and weightlessness.
Concept
The interplay between, on the one hand, elegance, precision and lightness and, on the other hand, technical innovations, complexity and excessive demands was understood and implemented in ceramics. The unmistakable shape of the DS is shown in individual parts and only through the right viewing angle can the entire, unmistakable shape of the DS be seen.
At the point where the front tires of the DS usually are, the viewer can take a look inside. This is where the complexity of the DS shows itself and breaks the otherwise elegant and calm appearance. The deliberate look of “too much” and almost overloaded interior reflects the excessive demands on mechanics and the first owners.
The three objects were manufactured using clay plates and later fired to 1260°C. After the last firing, the front of the unglazed piece was polished to a high gloss in several passes. Reference is made here again to the DS, as many enthusiasts polish their cars to a high shine. The contrast to the unpolished top is therefore clearly visible and shows the controversy again.
Thanks to the hydropneumatics and the padding of the comfortable and soft seats, you have the feeling of floating on clouds. The goddess gives the passengers a weightless feeling, which is absorbed by ceramics. The bright clay and the curved shapes of the individual pieces represent the feeling of lightness that the DS brings with it.