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Hive by KAIA Editions
KAIA (suite 424) is known for uniting opposites. KAIA, meaning both light and shade, strives for the creative fusion of artisanal craftsmanship and distinctive design. The brand’s philosophy is manifested through collaborations with European designers and artists whose ethos aligns with a circular design economy, always committed to sustainability. This emphasis on natural and reusable materials reduces waste, promotes repairability, and fosters timeless design and artisanal expertise.
Every product from KAIA is the antithesis of mass production. Each component, whether glass, marble, or metal, undergoes thorough quality control before assembly in it’s German workshop. Prioritising environmental consciousness, predominantly using brass and avoiding plastic. This philosophy inspired our HIVE collaboration with artist Maximilian Prüfer and lighting designer Sebastian Hepting.
German artist Maximilian Prüfer’s work primarily focuses on the interconnection of three spheres: nature, animals, and humans, emphasizing humanity’s inherent ties to nature despite our modern detachment. Prüfer’s art addresses an array of ecological concerns, including bee extinction and its severe threat to biodiversity, largely stemming from consequential political actions in China during the mid 20th century. The collaboration between us and Maximilian Prüfer began after Manuela Szewald, CEO and Creative Director of KAIA, explored his work in Vienna and discovered their shared passion for sustainability and harmonious coexistence with nature.
HIVE, the resulting light sculpture, is a tribute to the now-extinct bees and wild bees. It’s a remarkable piece of art that glows with a warm honey-yellow light and stands as the centerpiece of the “Fruits of Labor” exhibition at Vienna’s Weltmuseum, a prestigious institution recognized globally for its dedication to world culture and anthropological exploration. Its sequences of light and shadow, inspired by the natural behavior of bees in nests, create a hypnotic effect. The installation incorporates 1000 laboratory glasses filled with honey and 99 additional lamps encased within delicate glass tubes also filled with honey. Using custom lighting technology, each light can be individually controlled, creating captivating, subtle changes in light color. The chandelier’s movement patterns mirror the “shimmering effect,” a defense mechanism used by bees against enemies like hornets. The HIVE installation raises an urgent alarm about the worldwide insect decline, which puts our food system, nature’s balance, and human survival at risk.
View the HIVE collection as well and the rest of the KAIA line at 200 Lex!
