Artist profile
ILAN
EL
A collection of sculptural creations imbued with memory, reverence of art, and cognitive science. Each piece is a testament to the fusion of artistic inspiration and technological precision, meticulously crafted to illuminate spaces with beauty and functionality.
Multidisciplinary designer Ilan El was trained and practised as an architect before moving to Australia in 2005 to join RMIT's Industrial Design Masters program. In 2010, he established ILANEL Design Studio, a product design practice in Melbourne, specialising in the design and production of bespoke luminaires and large-scale light-based installations. Interested in the experiential quality of light and its potential for positive psychological and emotional effects, Ilan explores the colours of the visible spectrum to develop works with playful, interactive and automated elements.
His installations and work have been presented at the Melbourne Design Fair (2023), Melbourne Design Week (2017 - Departures, 2018 - Decoding Design, 2020 - Light+Life, 2021 - Wisdom of Objects, 2022 - Reflections, 2023 - Fragile); Globelight, Melbourne (2013 – 2016).
Artist Quote
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Permanent Collection Acquisition
- Australian War Memorial ‘Canberra Beacons’ Commission
- The Hour Glass ‘Temporal Grid’ Installation
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I command light as my primary structural medium, supported by a tactile palette of forged, slumped, and hand-blown glass, brass, and synthetic polymers. These materials are selected for their distinct capacity to mediate the relationship between physical form and atmospheric phenomenon. By incorporating RGB LEDs and Bluetooth control, I ensure each work functions as a living, interactive experience rather than a static sculptural object. This synthesis of traditional artisanal craftsmanship and technical rigour creates 'luminous heartbeats' that redefine the built environment and enhance the psychological experience of a space.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I operate at the decisive intersection of structural permanence and transformative illumination, commanding light as a primary medium to redefine the built environment. My practice identifies the liminal point where form surrenders to phenomenon, creating works that serve as a vital, luminous heartbeat for both iconic public landmarks and bespoke private sanctuaries. My studio artworks, such as ORA 2.0 and the meditative Horizon series, investigate the psychological impact of the visible light spectrum. These pieces utilise a tactile palette of hand-blown, forged, and slumped glass paired with brass and synthetic polymers. By incorporating RGB LEDs and Bluetooth control, I ensure these works function as living, interactive experiences that allow users to curate the atmospheric pulse of their own space. These studio developments scale into monumental project interventions that anchor significant architectural sites. Notable commissions include the ‘Canberra Beacons’ for the Australian War Memorial, which distil naval history into bespoke commemorative pendants, and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Triennial, which resulted in a permanent collection acquisition. From the 60-square-metre ‘Temporal Grid’ for The Hour Glass in Adelaide to luxury hospitality environments like the Ritz-Carlton, I synthesise artisanal craftsmanship with modern technical rigour to redefine the human experience of space.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
Nestled in St Kilda, Melbourne, my studio offers a versatile layout. A gallery space showcases my work and welcomes clients, while the adjacent office fosters collaboration. Our fully equipped kitchen adds comfort, and in the workshop, creativity thrives as ideas take shape and innovation flourishes.