Designer Kieron Lewis has created an object that challenges the conventions of the traditional book. His work, which documents the Lagos Biennial, weighs seven kilos and comes housed in a hand-molded concrete cover that replicates Tafawa Balewa Square. More than a reference volume, it is a centerpiece that demands space and attention, inviting exploration of art in colonial and postcolonial sites in Nigeria.
The artisanal process behind the concrete cover 🧱
Creating the cover was not simple. Lewis used a wooden mold and conducted multiple tests until he found the right mixture. The finest details, such as the textures of the square, were resolved with 3D printing to achieve precision without losing the handcrafted finish. The result is a 456-page piece documenting the work of 161 artists, designed to rest on a table, not on a conventional shelf. Its weight and size make it a functional piece of furniture.
Your coffee table just asked for structural reinforcements ☕
If you thought art books were heavy, wait until you meet this design brick. With its seven kilos of concrete, this volume is not suited for reading on the couch unless you want your arm to fall asleep. Rather, it functions as the ultimate paperweight or as self-defense in case of intruders. And if you drop it, forget a simple bump: you'll be creating a work of art on your floor. That said, it sparks conversation, as promised.