Commissioned by the TextielMuseum in 2016, Studio Formafantasma designed a series of woven light objects that resulted from research into light and textiles.
The TextielMuseum asked Studio Formafantasma to design a piece for the museum’s collection in the TextielLab with the theme ‘Cultural Threads’. The woven light objects Ellipse, Corner and Halo are the results. The series is based on the different depictions of light in Italian (pre-)Renaissance paintings and Flemish masterpieces.
At a physical, material level, textiles in lighting are mostly used as a kind of lantern, covering the light source. However, Studio Formafantasma wanted to explore different interactions between light and textiles, with the fabric acting as a reflector or as a way of constructing the lamp itself. The brass tube in Ellipse directs light from embedded LEDs onto the fabric to create an almost spiritual ambience.
A particular challenge was the size of the designs, which were too big to fit on the loom. To address this, a method was developed using a double weave so that the designs only needed half the width. The fabric for Ellipse was woven in a subtle colour gradient that was then stretched across a frame.
Amsterdam-based Studio Formafantasma combines the talents of Italian designers Andrea Trimarchi (1983) and Simone Farresin (1980). The duo graduated from the Eindhoven Design Academy in 2009. Their designs are characterised by experimental research into materials, the relationship between tradition and local culture, a critical approach to sustainability and the significance of objects as cultural conduits. They have won numerous awards, including the Milano Design Award 2017 and the Elle Deco International Designer of the Year Award 2018.
