The LAND OF LIGHT collection by Victoria Yakusha

Animism in design: creating meaningful connections with objects

The LAND OF LIGHT collection by Victoria Yakusha

Today, when technological advancements and rapid urbanization often dominate the narrative of progress, there is a growing countercurrent in the world of design that seeks to reconnect us with nature and the primal forces that shape our existence. Animism in design, a belief system that attributes a living soul to inanimate objects and natural phenomena, has found a contemporary expression in the work of designers who seek to create objects that not only serve functional purposes but also foster a deeper connection between humans and the environment.

The SLUKHACH collection by Victoria Yakusha

The SLUKHACH collection by Victoria Yakusha

Animism as a design metaphor

Animism, as a design metaphor, extends beyond the mere aesthetics of an object. It involves the creation of expressive, affective, and empathetic interactions between people and the objects they interact with daily. This approach is about imbuing objects with a sense of life and presence, making them more than just functional items but companions in the human experience. Through the use of behavioral, physical, and social metaphors, animistic objects communicate in more nuanced ways, responding to the user and the environment in a dynamic interplay of form, function, and meaning.

Ezio Manzini, a well-known figure in design for social innovation and sustainability, advocates for this approach, emphasizing that design objects must connect with their environment both physically and semiotically. In his view, when people develop a sense of care and attachment to the objects in their lives, they are more likely to extend that care to the broader environment. Animism in design thus becomes a dialogue between people and things, a conversation that encourages individuals to appreciate and cherish the objects they possess, fostering a deeper, more sustainable relationship with the material world. This dialogue also enhances human-object relationships, making each object a meaningful part of one's life.

VOLYKY benches by Victoria Yakusha

VOLYKY benches by Victoria Yakusha

Animism and "live minimalism”

In the context of "live minimalism" as a design philosophy, animism adds a unique dimension. Here, the idea is that objects should possess a kind of "spirit" or inherent energy. This spirit isn't about mysticism but rather the connection to the creator and the materials. When an object is handmade, it carries the energy and intention of the person who crafted it. Similarly, when natural materials are used, they bring the raw, unaltered energy of nature into the space. Live minimalism values these qualities, aiming for a design that isn't just about reducing clutter but also about ensuring that the objects you do have are meaningful and alive in a sense—imbued with the creativity, care, and natural essence that contribute to a harmonious living environment.

Spirituality in design further enhances this approach, blending the tangible with the intangible to create objects that resonate on a deeper level. The object symbolism in design becomes a crucial element here, as objects are not just functional but also carry symbolic meanings that connect with the user's inner experiences and beliefs.

Victoria Yakusha and her LAND OF LIGHT collection

Victoria Yakusha and her LAND OF LIGHT collection

Animism in Victoria Yakusha's design: bringing objects to life

In Victoria Yakusha's designs, the animistic elements aren't just aesthetic choices; they are fundamental to her philosophy of creating objects that are alive with meaning, capable of affecting the spirit and emotions of those who encounter them. Many pieces are imbued with animism-inspired design features—such as "ears" or "legs" that seem to stomp loudly, or curves that echo the form of the human body, particularly the feminine silhouette. These elements make her works feel alive, as if they possess a spirit or character of their own.

One of the most striking examples of this is her "LAND OF LIGHT" collection, showcased at Design Miami 2023. This collection features a series of magical creatures, each designed to help people find their inner light during challenging times. These creatures aren't just decorative items; they serve as guides and companions, providing emotional support and fostering a human-object relationship. Through their unique forms and textures, they invite interaction and reflection, embodying Yakusha's animistic approach where objects have a presence and influence on human emotions.

Another brilliant example of animism-inspired design in Yakusha's work is the SLUKHACH collection of lamps. These lamps are designed with shapes that resemble "ears", giving them the ability to "listen" to their surroundings. They aren't just sources of light; they are perceived as sentient beings that engage with the environment, symbolically hearing the ideas, desires, and dreams of those around them. This creates a bond between the user and the object that transcends mere functionality, making the lamps active participants in the space they illuminate.

The VOLYKY collection consists of creatures that double as benches, merging functionality with a free-spirited, playful energy. VOLYKY are designed not just to be sat upon but to engage the imagination, inviting users to interact with them in a way that sparks wonder and joy. This duality—being both practical and animistic—is central to Yakusha’s work, where each object is meant to enrich the human experience by fostering a connection to both the natural world and the deeper, often hidden, aspects of the human psyche.

Animism in design as a path to sustainability

The animistic approach in design is not just about creating beautiful objects; it is also about promoting sustainability through a deeper connection with the material world. As Manzini suggests, when people care about the objects they own, they are more likely to care about the environment from which these objects are derived. This care extends beyond mere functionality to encompass the emotional and spiritual significance of the objects, encouraging a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to consumption.

Yakusha’s work exemplifies this approach, as her designs are often created using natural materials and traditional techniques that honor the environment and the cultural heritage from which they spring. By creating meaningful object connections that people can form emotional bonds with, she encourages a shift away from disposable consumer culture towards one where objects are cherished and maintained over time. This approach integrates spirituality in design and object symbolism in design, ensuring that each piece not only serves a practical function but also resonates deeply with its user.


Fostering connection, sustainability, and spirituality in the material world

The integration of animism in design represents a profound shift towards creating objects that transcend mere functionality, embracing a deeper connection between humans and the world around them. By infusing objects with a sense of life and presence, designers like Victoria Yakusha are fostering meaningful human-object relationships and celebrating the spiritual and symbolic dimensions of design. This approach not only enriches our daily interactions with objects but also encourages a more thoughtful and sustainable way of living.