mischer’traxler

Since 2008 the Design project realLimited by mischer’traxler studio focuses on endangered species in Austria. The loss of biodiversity is visualized in ‘limited editions’ and consequently creates a dialogue between art, design and nature. The latest additions to the series focuse now as well on flora.
The vase limitedFern brings notholaena marantae, also called ‘Europa cloak fern’ into the living room. Portrayed in brass, partly lacquered, partly patinated, it appears in the space between two stones. The stones are actually a vase out of grey-dyed porcelain and represent the habitat of the plant – as the fern lives exclusively on serpentine rocks, a greyish stone which contains a large amount of heavy metals. Serpentinit is known to be toxic for most other plants, thus the flora  growing on it is highly specialised.
In conversation with an expert, the number of specimens of this plant species still occurring in Austria’s nature was estimated at a maximum of 200. This number was afterwards reproduced in metal. Each individual fern plant is numbered and represents a living counterpart. 10 % of the price of the object will go to selected nature conservation projects of the Austrian Naturschutzbund, which acquire meadows and natural areas and preserve them in their natural state.

In conversation with an expert, the number of specimens of this plant species still occurring in Austria’s nature was estimated at a maximum of 200. This number was afterwards reproduced in metal.