What is Knolling?
How to Knoll by Tom Sachs from his Ten Bullets Zine.
Knolling refers to the practice of arranging similar objects in a precise, perpendicular manner. The goal of knolling is to create a sense of order and clarity in a space by aligning and organizing the objects within it
The term was coined by Andrew Kromelow in the late 1980s and later popularized by artist Tom Sachs. Kromelow was a janitor in Frank Gehry’s Santa Monica studio and had a habit of laying out
Knolling is a term coined by Andrew Kromelow in the late 1980s. Kromelow was a janitor in Frank Gehry’s Santa Monica studio at the time, and he came up with the concept of knolling as a way to organize the tools in the workshop when they were not in use. Kromelow observed that the tools in the workshop were often left in disarray, and he saw the potential for a more efficient and organized workspace by aligning and organizing the tools.
Kromelow’s colleague, artist Tom Sachs was intrigued by Kromelow’s method of organizing the tools. Sachs adopted the practice of knolling in his own studio and began incorporating it into his artwork. He has credited Kromelow as the inspiration for his use of knolling in his art.
Since then, the concept of knolling has gained widespread popularity, especially within the art world. It is often used as a way to photograph and display objects, such as tools or art supplies, in a visually appealing manner. Knolling has also been used as a way to organize and declutter workspaces, allowing for a more efficient and productive environment.
The appeal of knolling lies in its simplicity and minimalism. It is a way to showcase the beauty of everyday objects by presenting them in a clear and organized manner. It is also a way to bring attention to the forms and shapes of the objects themselves, rather than their function or purpose.
In addition to its practical applications, knolling can also be seen as a form of art in and of itself. The arrangement of objects in a knolling display requires a keen eye for balance and composition, as well as a sense of aesthetics. It is a way to transform a collection of seemingly mundane objects into a cohesive and visually striking display.
Overall, knolling is a unique and innovative way to approach organization and display. It is a concept that has gained widespread popularity within the art world and beyond, and it shows no signs of slowing down.