Formica, latin for ants, taps into the morphological wonders of ants + behavioural traits in the ant kingdom to realise new ways of seeing in sculptural design.

Sculptor, designer and scientist Abid Javed unveils a capsule ceramic collection inspired by the biology of Ants. Formica, as its name suggests, plays on word by exploring forms in space, drawn out from ant morphology + ant social behaviours in efforts to visualise (in a surreal dream) the organismal narratives. The collection includes new sculptures built in stoneware ceramic and ceramic lighting (combining different types of clay), that unveil surrealist forms introduced into sculptural design objects.

Recognised for his ‘molecular objects’, Abid Javed has developed an identity by sharing his insights from the unseen world we live in, re-imagined as abstract, biomorphic forms. The studio practice takes an exploratory approach when it comes to materials to realise sculptural forms. Together, a unique sculptural language is developed encompassing biological narratives.

The Formica installation, hosted at Clink Street Ceramics Window gallery at Clink Street, London Bridge (UK), comprises three sections: Each section hosting a narrative driven display of ceramic lamps + sculptures, encased in a washi paper cocoon. Over the three months (May-August 2026), the installation will be in rotation in three parts, where each month, the three sections display new objects, with an intention to keep the installation ‘active’.

“We are currently at the cusp of technological genesis as a collective society, driven by artificial intelligence, into new evolved ‘beings’. As a response to that change, it compelled me to delve deeper into the biological routes to the concept of 'birth/genesis’ of living organisms - from the early development process to the full-fledged organisms. This space formed the space to study forms in terms of morphological changes as well as biomorphic signatures that are present to realise in sculpture. Ants are one of the oldest living organisms on this planet (100 million years) and make for a prime example to study how intelligence can come in small doses (and often overlooked). I first started exploring the shape of an egg (common vessel to most organisms starting their nascent journey) to then exploring nascent forms. This collection marks a shift from my usual molecular biology driven narratives as I started thinking more macroscopically in biology; a chance to conceptualise from a different lens to realise new ways of seeing.”

Handmade in Ceramics, the objects reveal subtle textures in organic silhouettes both in sculpture and lighting forms. It marks another chapter to question: Can sculpture be lighting? And if so - can biology inform the sculptural form?

All pieces are available to purchase: If you have any enquiries (purchases/press/commissions) - please don’t hesitate to email me on a.javed2do@gmail.com.