Boris Peianov is a Romanian-born architect based in Denmark. For the exhibition, he worked around the idea of being able to “confess” or talk openly about emotions and mental health, and how it requires a feeling of safety. The piece is inspired by the playful nature of safe habits, and takes an even more literal inspiration from children’s building blocks, in shape, material and color but also in function.

The rituals that make us feel safe Paraphernalia for performing them And a space to collect these things he says. This is, most often, a family member, partner, friend, a priest or a therapist. But it is also our home, our environment and the things around us which makes us feel comfortable and at ease.

This piece is partly inspired by the material objects that represent a safe space for the artist. As a young adult he moved too many times. Looking back at that he has realized that he always had the same few things with him no matter where he was: a cigarette box from his father, books, pictures, mugs from high school, a baby blanket, a summer camp t-shirt, etc. Having these things around always helps create a safe, familiar space for him.

The habits we form around this to create a safe space become like rituals and pure childlike play. Today he wants to build them a shrine. And he wants to live in that shrine. Like a child under its blanket fort, assemble and reassemble it like a game. The piece is inspired by the playful nature these habits take, and takes an even more literal inspiration from children’s building blocks, in shape, material and color but also in function.

Safe Space (shelf system) 2022
120x40x180
Walnut, plywood, lacquered veneer