GOMA Ambassador Alex Lotersztain, designer of the official ‘GOMA turns 10′ Ambassador chair, the QTZ limited edition GOLD
Alex Lotersztain is a Brisbane-based designer with an international reputation and a multi-disciplinary studio and also one of our GOMA Turns 10 Ambassadors. He’s spent the last decade sharing a postcode with the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), so we sat down with him to talk about design, art and his favourite exhibitions.
> DELVE INTO OUR GOMA TURNS 10 CELEBRATIONS
> READ MORE ON OUR BLOG
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF GOOD DESIGN?
Observation. I think for me the key is being able to pay attention to details, the surrounds and see how people interact with the world…
“GOMA is a Pandora’s box.
It allows me to see art and the freedom of expression that comes with it.
It’s such an inspirational reboot!” Alex Lotersztain
WHAT’S A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD AT THE GALLERY?
Too many! The ‘Andy Warhol‘ exhibition in 2007 was incredibly inspiring – I loved the Up Late program with the national and international artists, as well as the 15 Minutes of Fame series of talks. It was a good reminder that, as an artist, we must never stop learning.

I also loved the ‘Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion’ exhibition a couple of years ago. It was amazing to see the work of such pioneering designers, including Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo and Akira Isogawa.

WHERE AND WHEN DO YOU GET YOUR BEST IDEAS?
Funny enough, most of my ideas come while I’m flying. I travel a lot and use the time up there to think and sketch – and, of course, to watch a couple of movies…
I also genuinely get to GOMA at least once a fortnight. In fact, I think the whole Cultural Precinct is amazing and it should – must! – grow. I wish GOMA would take over the Milk Factory next door and make a state-of-the-art design museum and large scale contemporary art. What do you think?!
WHAT IS INSPIRING YOU AT THE MOMENT?
WEARING: Margiela kicks, three-quarter cargo pants and white, loose v-neck tee.
TRAVEL: Budapest – I was there earlier this year for the second time, and still find it so cool.
ARCHITECTURE: Anything modernist.
INTERIORS: Minimal with a vintage touch.
FURNITURE: ‘Les Basic’, my new brand!
ART: Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works.
‘No.1 Neighbour: Art in Papua New Guinea 1966-2016’
Until 29 January 2017 | QAG
‘Lucent: Aboriginal and Pacific works from the Collection’
26 November 2016 – 30 July 2017 | GOMA
COVETING: I’d love to get a large scale artwork by Australian Aboriginal artist Dadda Samson.
