Mat Chair – Through The Lens Of The Creative Community
The Normann Copenhagen Mat Chair, through the eyes of 4 creatives.
Following the launch of the Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen's Mat Chair, a design rooted in material innovation, Normann Copenhagen invited inspiring creatives to capture the chair through their lens. "Through The Lens Of" is a visual interpretation of the Mat Chair collection, seen through the eyes of the brand's creative community.
First published by Normann Copenhagen.
Sofie Agger
Sofie Agger is a Danish/Canadian analogue photographer who is deeply rooted in nature and sustainability. Growing up in the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Sofie developed a profound connection to the outdoors, which now shapes her life and work in the tranquil beach town of Hvide Sande, Denmark. With a background in environmental studies, Sofie combines her passion for sustainability and coastal conservation with capturing the world through the nostalgic lens of film photography.
"What captivated me most about the Mat Chair is its innovative and sustainable design. Made from natural, fully recyclable materials, the chair is both beautiful and eco-friendly. I think it’s so inspiring that the series uses hemp and eelgrass - both abundant, non-toxic and CO2-absorbing materials with plenty of potential and versatility as durable and renewable natural materials.”
"Given that the chair is made of eelgrass, a significant component of the marine coastal ecosystem, it only made sense to photograph it in this environment. Photographing it right outside my home on a beautiful stretch of the Danish coastline, surrounded by rolling pastel-coloured dunes, white sand beaches, and the North Sea, felt like bringing the chair back to where it belongs."
Photography by Sofie Agger
Follow Sofie on Instagram.
Benj Story
Benj Story is a freelance photographer based out of Leeds in Northern England. Benj specializes in everything from fashion to travel imagery and has a particular affinity for shooting landscapes.
"On a particularly stunning evening, I decided to bring the chair outside into the landscape surrounding my home, capturing it in the golden hour light just before sunset. Integrating the chair into a natural environment felt instinctive, enhancing the chair’s aesthetic and material composition."
Photography by Benj Story
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Nihan Arici
Nihan Arici, a Turkish-born fashion trend forecaster based in London, originally studied engineering but found her true calling in the creative industries. Her journey into fashion, art, design, and architecture led her to trend forecasting.
“What captivated me most about the Mat Chair is its material and sustainable approach. I love how the textures come through, giving it an organic and tactile feel.”
“My inspiration for portraying the chair came from my favorite book, In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki. A particular line resonated with me: ‘We find beauty not in the thing itself but in the patterns of shadows, the light and the darkness, that one thing against another creates… Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.’”
“This reflection on the interplay of light and shadow guided my approach, emphasizing the subtle contrasts and harmonious balance that make the chair truly captivating”.
Photography by Nihan Arici
Follow Nihan on Instagram.
Freja Bak Josias
Freja Bak Josias, a Danish Constructing Architect and Master in Building Culture, specialises in restoring and maintaining Denmark’s cultural heritage through preservation of listed buildings.
“The Mat Chair caught my eye with its use of hemp. Although hemp has a long history in building materials, it’s been largely forgotten in modern times. However, its remarkable qualities are leading to a revival, and I love how the Mat Chair showcases hemp as its primary material.”
“I was initially drawn to photograph the chair in natural settings like the beach or countryside, but once it arrived in our Copenhagen apartment, I really enjoyed the contrast it brought to our space. Amidst our vibrant art, books, and pops of color, the chair introduced a sense of calm and tactile softness with its hemp shell.”
“I admire the research and craftsmanship behind using hemp in this innovative way. The result is beautiful.”
Photography by Freja Bak Josias
Follow Freja on Instagram.
Photography provided by the creatives featured in this piece. Freja Bak Josias portrait by Amanda Bødker.
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