SMALL TALK | Head-to-head with Draga Obradovic e Aurel K. Basedow

_Please introduce yourself.
DO+AKB Draga & Aurel is a studio, or better yet a project, which reflects our vision and aesthetics in terms of art and design.

_­What is your home like?
DO+AKB It’s welcoming, bright, and eclectic. It’s a place that represents us and the things we’re passionate about.

_Is there anything you would change?
DO+AKB We’d like to have more space, and rearrange the rooms and furnishings to better attune them to our sensibilities and inspirations.

_Your relationship with the things around you?
DO+AKB We love things with a soul which convey depth, whether it’s a memory or something that inspired us.

_Your favourite colour?
DO I’m drawn to pastel shades, but only if they have ‘character.’ I’m crazy about the colour of cantaloupe shaved ice.
AKB I love the colour red, which is strength and courage.

_What do you do in your leisure time?
DO We love to travel, whether near or far. I love to walk, get lost, and discover.
AKB Music is my passion. I used to be a percussion teacher. I can’t live without my drum.

_What could you never give up?
DO The wonderful things in life, even small things, like chocolate and a good glass of wine!
AKB Giving flowers to my wife Draga.

_Your ideal work space?
DO+AKB Spaces full of objects and materials that inspire us, and enthusiastic, competent people.

_Where does your creativity come from?
DO+AKB From intuition, which is generated in practice. We’re artists, so we’re very physical in the relationship with our objects and the use of materials.

_Any vices?
DO+AKB We’ll keep our sins to ourselves!

_What does beauty mean for you?
DO+AKB Perfection that arises from the unexpected.

_A building or work of art you love?
DO The Luma building by Frank O. Gehry, in Arles, a complex and extremely original work.
AKB I really like the work of Kazuo Shiraga. And the rebellious spirit of Sarah Lucas.

_A maestro who inspires you?
DO I’m really fascinated by the ‘70s, rebellious, brave minds. People like Gae Aulenti or Cini Boeri, who are also role models to me.
AKB My personal heroes include Mark Rothko, Hermann Nitsch, Gerhard Richter, Antoni Tàpies… just to name a few!

_A dream?
DO+AKB To see our works displayed in a large international museum of contemporary art.

_Something that torments you when designing?
DO ‘Let’s play.’ It’s a mantra that I often repeat.
AKB ‘Don’t judge yourself,’ aimed at myself.

_Your motto?
DO+AKB Never stop having fun!