"Kandem" Bedside-Table Lamp c. 1928

Curator: This is the "Kandem" Bedside-Table Lamp, designed by Marianne Brandt. It's a Bauhaus piece, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Hmm, these lamps give off a rather clinical, utilitarian vibe. Almost like something you'd find in an old dentist's office. Curator: Brandt, as a key figure in the Bauhaus movement, aimed to integrate art and industry. Notice the geometric shapes, the unadorned surfaces – symbols of functionality and modernism. They represent the Bauhaus ideals of mass production and accessibility. Editor: But, you know, underneath that functional shell, there's something undeniably comforting about these. Perhaps it is the soft glow. Curator: Precisely! The Kandem lamp is not just about function; it's about creating a focused pool of light, a symbol of knowledge and clarity. In a way, illuminating the path forward. Editor: I see your point. It's a beacon, not just a light. Curator: Exactly. A testament to the Bauhaus ethos, where form truly follows function, and even everyday objects carry symbolic weight. Editor: Well, I’ve certainly seen the light on this design! Thanks for illuminating this piece for me.