Raw Color Captures the Potential of Light in Paper Curves

Color is physiological, but also functional, and technical – our bodies react to information that color holds, instantly igniting neural networks formed many thousands of years ago. Eindhoven-based Raw Color pushes the boundaries of pigment and style, cleverly working technological advancement and craft into something so somatic as color. In their new photographic print collection for Paper Collective, Raw Color launched Paper Curves at this year’s 3daysofdesign at the Paper Collective headquarters in Copenhagen. The Dutch duo hand assemble surreal horizontal landscapes from pieces of paper that are curved into three-dimensional compositions. Once together, the looped paper forms are photographed in precise lighting where textures, depth, and shadows arise in two-dimensional prints, all at the whims of the light that rests upon the paper.

A modern living room with a curved, two-tone sofa, abstract art on the wall, a low coffee table with a chess set and plate, and a sculptural ceiling light fixture.

Color is extremely important for designers, defining the mood, usage, and more social cues than we know of now. People report that seeing bright colors, or at least more than the average gray and black of the city, is integral to our happiness. The duo says of their practice, “Our work is a continuous balancing between freedom, spontaneity and intuition and rules, logic and ratio.” And it shows, bright but sophisticated palettes adding a fresh pop to any interior, with colors shifting from in focus to blurry thanks to the adjustment in the depth of field while being photographed. Thick bands of paper spring out from the image, in varying yet carefully picked colors, delineated in warm and cool variants, that just work well together.

Modern living room with abstract gradient artwork, sculptural orange sofa, low lavender coffee table with chess set, and circular beige rug on wood floor.

A minimalist room with a wooden bench, a stack of colorful stools, a small tray on top, light wood flooring, and a gradient abstract painting on the wall.

A modern dining room with a black dining table and chairs, abstract wall art, a tall plant in a pot, and a sculptural black vase on a pedestal.

A neatly made single bed with green pillow and striped bedding sits next to a blue wardrobe; abstract artwork hangs above, and woven baskets are on top of the wardrobe.

A living room with wooden built-in shelves and cabinets, books, decorative objects, abstract art on the wall, and a potted plant on the right side.

A wooden sideboard with gradient artwork, a potted plant, decorative bowls, and a small framed print against a white wall.

Minimalist living room with a wooden sideboard, abstract gradient art pieces, a potted plant, ceramic bowls, and neutral-toned furniture against a white wall.

A wooden sideboard with a framed abstract print, two green glasses, and a leafy plant partially visible on the right.

Two abstract art prints in wooden frames lean against a white wall near a light blue table, with books and magazines displayed on a shelf above.

Two framed abstract gradient artworks, one large and one small, are leaning against a white wall on a concrete floor.

Two framed abstract prints with horizontal color gradients, one in blue and green tones, the other in dark red and black, leaning against a white wall.

Two framed abstract prints with wooden frames are leaning against a white wall, one overlapping the other.

A framed abstract artwork with warm gradient colors leans against a white wall near a staircase, with a large green plant and another framed print visible on the wall above.

A framed abstract artwork with horizontal bands of brown and beige rests against a white wall; a green leaf is partially visible in the upper right corner.

Stacks of colored paper in various pastel and bright shades arranged in clusters on a plain light surface.

Three sheets of colored paper—orange, red, and yellow—are partially rolled and arranged on top of a whiteboard in a well-lit room.

Sheets of green, light green, blue, and white paper are draped and taped to a white surface, with masking tape visible at the edge.

Person arranging sheets of colored paper on a white surface, with rolls of paper and a roll of masking tape in the background.

Several sheets of colored paper—yellow, green, red, and light pink—are standing upright against a plain white background.

Blending the disciplines of graphic design, photography, and product design, Raw Color uses color as both theory and tool. Designers Daniera ter Haar and Christoph Brach work together with their team to create both self-sustained and commissioned projects, allowing a higher level of unencumbered creativity to show through in their work.

Two people sit on a rounded, modern sofa in a brightly lit room with abstract blue artwork on the wall behind them.

Daniera ter Haar and Christoph Brach of Raw Color

To learn more about the Paper Curves art collection by Raw Color for Paper Collective, visit papercollective.com.

Photography by Balder Skånström-Bo.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.