Germans Ermičs

Germans Ermičs was born on 20 February 1985 in Riga.

Latvian designer Germans Ermičs is known for his work across many countries. His portfolio spans the realms of product design, particularly unique design furniture, and interior design. Known for his talent and tireless dedication, Germans Ermičs brings a wealth of ideas to life with unwavering perseverance. In his minimalist approach, he is both concise and restrained. His colour choices, though subtle, often reveal enchanting and exquisitely delicate gradients. Swiftly mastering new and emerging technologies, the artist achieves artistic qualities that are both surprising and seemingly impossible. One could endlessly describe his art, trying to define his unique style and essence. It is perhaps best to say that, while deeply rooted in the nature, people, and traditions of his homeland, he is also keenly attuned to the diverse lifestyles and customs of other cultures. The artist is continuously developing and evolving in response to changes. Remarkably inventive and balanced, he achieves his results through his own approach, distinct from the paths of others. His most exquisite and internationally renowned pieces, crafted for locations around the globe, are developed at Studio Germans Ermičs in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), where he resides.

His artistry extends to the use of coloured glass, which he manipulates with cutting-edge techniques. For some time, he has also been exploring traditional materials like textiles and natural stones, particularly marble, to create stunning works of art. As he himself admits, he doesn't confine himself to conventional methods of processing these materials; instead, he actively seeks alternative approaches. Architect and designer Evelīna Ozola, curator of German Ermičs' first solo exhibition in Latvia, Plūstoši (Flowing; 2023, Riga, Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, with over 9 000 visitors), describes him concisely and vividly: "He has found ways to capture light, sound, sunsets, and rainbows in objects and space, and his unique vision has solidified his place in the design world."

Germans Ermičs harnesses modern technology in both the design and execution of his works, without relying on the language of technology. For him, technology is merely a helpful tool. His true language is that of imagination and creative thought. What emerges is not only a functional object, often impeccably crafted, but also a piece infused with profound artistic expression and almost limitless imagery. This imagery unfolds most powerfully as the observer moves through space – the play of light and colour shifts with every perspective, evoking new layers of associations in the viewer's imagination. Just as no sunrise or sunset is ever the same, his works continuously reveal something new. "Glass is often seen as a cold, unwelcoming material," the designer notes. "My goal is to change this perception. I want people to look at the glass, not just through it."

This philosophy is exemplified in his famed coloured glass chair, Stikla krēsls Ombré (2017), which stands as a tribute to Glass Chair (1976) by Shiro Kuramata (1934–1991), a distinguished Japanese designer from the latter half of the 20th century. Unlike its predecessor, the glass chair by Germans Ermičs allows the paint used in its creation to influence, or even determine, the form and essence of the piece. "Glass is a medium through which I explore my ideas for colour, light, and space," the artist comments. Stikla krēsls Ombré has been exhibited at Rossana Orlandi gallery during Milano Design Week and has garnered numerous international awards, ranking among the world's most beautiful creations.

Germans Ermičs began his academic journey with industrial design studies at the Faculty of Transport and Mechanical Engineering at Riga Technical University. However, after the first semester, he realised that a purely technical approach to design did not captivate his interest. He then moved to Denmark to attend Krabbesholm Højskole, where the curriculum was specifically tailored to prepare students for studies in design, architecture, and art. "It was an intensive year with a variety of projects, study trips, workshops and guest lecturers," remembers the artist. He honed his practical skills at Rasmus Koch Studio, a graphic design studio in Copenhagen, before studying furniture and interior design at the renowned Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands (2007–2011). His graduation work, Izometriskie spoguļi (Isometric Mirrors), caught the eye of design magazine Frame and led to an invitation from the esteemed Head of the Rossana Orlandi gallery to showcase this work during the following year's Milan Design Week.

This marked the beginning of his career.

While studying in the Netherlands in 2007, Germans Ermičs co-founded, with some of his friends, Veto Magazine, a publication focused on music, art, and fashion. He developed its design concept and served as its artistic director until 2018. In 2014, he established Studio Germans Ermičs in Amsterdam, where he creates and develops new ideas and projects for envisioned permanent collections. He participates in major international design fairs, exhibitions, and events in Milan (Italy), Paris (France), New York (USA), the Netherlands, and beyond. Ermičs collaborates with galleries, brands, interior designers, and architects on projects of various scales. "I recognise that I design for galleries, not for mass consumption. I create pieces in limited quantities," he explains. This ensures that each piece remains undeniably unique.

In the artist's understanding, producing means carefully selecting the maker – whether a high-class craftsman or a manufacturer – and then work closely together from the start of the design process to the end of implementation. "A designer must have a general understanding of what can be done with a specific material, but my lack of knowledge about specific details allows me to keep my ideas unrestricted and approach the craftsman or manufacturer with something challenging that motivates and develops them. [..] In my career, it's a story about building long-term relationships [..]. I strive to involve partners in my upcoming projects and to create a network of collaborations."

Two of his works are housed at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design in Riga. These include his Stikla krēsls Ombré (2017), which is featured in the permanent exhibition. Other creations adorn numerous private and public spaces, both outdoor and urban environments, as well as locations near and far worldwide.

Germans Ermičs has received numerous awards, nominations, and prizes, including the nomination for the Latvian Public Media Annual Award: A Kilogram of Culture 2023 in the Visual Arts category, as well as four awards from the prestigious magazine Wallpaper in various categories (2017, 2018, 2021, 2024), among others.

His versatility continues to expand. This year, he is the designer of the medals for the Riga Marathon 2024 for all four distances (including the children's race). The medals feature a circular frame of uniform size, with the filling varying according to the length of the run, adorned with intricate lacing that resembles intertwined laces of athletic shoes. Medals have been awarded to all participants, from the smallest novice runners to world-class elite athletes.

For the 2024/2025 season, the artist is creating his debut scenography for Dailes Theatre in Riga.

Rūta Muižniece,
Master of Arts