Staging, a new exhibition at Studio Oliver Gustav's historic 1920s premises in the centre of Copenhagen, Denmark, unveils a fascinating conversation between art, architecture and furniture design. More than a design exhibition, Staging is an immersive installation that reflects on space, texture and emotional resonance. Conceived by the team of Michèle Lamy and Oliver Gustav, the show running from June 13 to October 11, 2025, includes Rick Owens' sculptural furniture and works by artists Scarlett Rouge, Giovanni Bassan, Kaare Golles and Rasmus Rosengaard—exploring “the intersection of contemporary art, design and spatial storytelling - a testament to Studio Oliver Gustav’s distinct curatorial language,” according to the show’s text.

Lamy and Gustav lead this sensory journey, each bringing their own unique vision. Lamy, known for her raw, esoteric style and a strong approach to design and performance, is a creative force and a long-time collaborator of Owens. Her deep understanding of materials and space adds a mystic, almost ritualistic quality to the exhibition space. In contrast, Gustav excels in creating calm environments. His Copenhagen studio is known for its minimalist, atmospheric interiors that blend simplicity with emotional depth. Together, they create a powerful mix of sculptural presence and spatial detail, balancing the harsh with the reflective.

The show’s centrepieces are the enormous furniture pieces designed by Owens, often made of basic materials such as plywood, concrete and alabaster, and have forms that fall somewhere between sculptural art and functionality. Ancient monumentality is evoked by pieces such as the visceral Candle Pillar Grande, the Single Prong and Double Prong in concrete and the Large Screen in alabaster. These are thresholds, portals into a different way of thinking about design, than merely things to be observed. The shadows created by Gustav's carefully restrained construction soften the silhouettes of Owens' hefty pieces, which are arranged throughout the room like relics in a contemporary sanctuary.

Staging finds its voice in the interaction between the pieces and the space, a deepened dialogue with the “neoclassical museum building… ⁠recognised for its refined architectural character… a striking backdrop for this immersive and atmospheric presentation,” as the release describes. The elegant space of Studio Oliver Gustav acts as a catalyst. Instead of overwhelming the observer, the area encourages reflection. Every nook, cranny and beam of light seems to be choreographed to improve the pieces' impact. Bassan contributes layers of narrative with his sculptures, which often explore identity and mythology. Rouge, known for her deeply personal and emotional paintings, adds to the contemplative mix. Rosengaard and Golles, who both explore themes of transcendence, decay and the human body, bring even more depth to the arrangement.

Seen as a whole, the product designs portray a timeless ritualism and a modern staging of a space almost sacred. The exhibition embodies a peaceful effect, as if one has entered a room beyond time. Alabaster, concrete and burnt wood are among the material choices that ground the observer in reality, their application alluding to a philosophical investigation. The setting, as the viewer navigates it, questions, who is meant to be surrounded by objects significant in both weight and meaning.

In Staging, Lamy and Gustav have created an experience that necessitates presence and reflection. The exhibition demonstrates the strength of collaboration as well as the indispensable impact of shadow, stillness and spatial storytelling. In addition to looking, guests are encouraged to feel as they move through the rooms at Kastelsvej 18—to interact with the items and the ambience, as active participants in a masterfully planned ceremony.

‘Staging’ is on view from June 13 – October 11, 2025, at Studio Oliver Gustav in Copenhagen, Denmark.