Shahen Markarian's foray into Renaissance-inspired flower chairs was not just about designing furniture; it was about building a connection across time. As a student at the Royal College of Art, Shahen was guided by Professor Billy Magbua. Under his mentorship, Shahen explored the rich tapestry of Renaissance art with the aim of bringing its intricate beauty into modern homes. The result? A stunning piece that blends historical elegance with contemporary functionality, a creation that earned him a coveted Platinum Award in the Graphis New Talent Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to his creativity and craftsmanship, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

By: Shahen Markarian, Head of Design, SUGARING NYC

This project allowed me to showcase my prowess in translating historical inspiration into tangible art forms. The Renaissance-inspired flower chairs serve as a testament to my creativity, meticulous craftsmanship, and dedication to bridging the gap between eras. Through this labor of love, I pay homage to the Renaissance era. As a product designer, I wanted to create a product that would be a synergy of the Renaissance era and something people use daily. The biggest challenge was making the petals, which had to be part of the chair and simultaneously be a single object. Winning Platinum at the New Talent Awards 2024 means the world to me! This award inspires me to create and share more innovative works with the world. 

Expanding on the project's journey, the initial concept was deeply rooted in the rich visual and cultural motifs of the Renaissance period. I spent countless hours studying the art and architecture of that era, drawing inspiration from the intricate designs and ornate details that define Renaissance aesthetics. My goal was to reinterpret these historical elements in a modern context, creating a piece that seamlessly blends the old with the new. 

The design process was both exhilarating and demanding. Each petal of the flower chair needed to reflect the elegance and beauty of Renaissance art while being functional and structurally sound. This required extensive experimentation with materials and techniques to ensure the petals were durable and aesthetically pleasing. I worked closely with craftsmen and engineers, iterating on designs and prototypes until we achieved the perfect balance. 

Furthermore, this project challenged me to push the boundaries of my own creativity and technical skills. It was a journey of discovery, where I learned to merge my artistic vision with practical design considerations. The result is a chair that pays tribute to a glorious past and offers a unique, contemporary piece of furniture that can be appreciated and used in everyday life. 

Winning the Platinum award at the New Talent Awards 2024 is a significant milestone in my career. It validates the hard work and passion I poured into this project and motivates me to continue exploring new creative horizons. This recognition fuels my ambition to innovate and inspire through my designs, and I am excited to share more of my work with the world.

Shahen Markarian is an experienced product designer with a track record of winning international awards in various fields. Over the past seven years, he has dedicated himself to honing his skills in the digital product design industry. For three years, Shahen held a leadership position in the design department of prominent companies in Shanghai, China. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with diverse organizations. Presently, Shahen is proud to serve as the head of the design department at a Florida-based company, where he leads a talented team in developing highly innovative and user-centric digital products.

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