In 2019, Mae Engelgeer developed the ‘VIVID’ acoustic panel in the TextielLab. She returned to the lab in 2021 to adapt the design for a window panel for Blueness, Sergio Herman's new restaurant in Antwerp.
Engelgeer regularly develops autonomous work in the TextielLab, such as wall panels and room dividers, as well as throws and tea towels that she presents at art fairs and in Gallery Rademakers in Amsterdam. She originally made ‘VIVID’ as an acoustic panel for the ‘Lavish’ series but came back to the lab to make a custom version for four windows in Blueness, Sergio Herman's new restaurant in Antwerp.
Engelgeer was inspired by Japanese tatami mats for this project. ‘VIVID’ is a finely woven fabric with a lot of detailing and a subtle colour gradient. The background alternates different yarns such as linen and viscose. Floats of coarse paper yarn over the fine background give the graphic pattern an extra dimension.
Filling yarn was used in the original fabric, creating a quilted effect. For this assignment, however, Engelgeer made a 'lighter' version that is suitable for a window covering.
Textile design dominates Mae Engelgeer’s work. She studied at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute and the Sandberg Institute and opened her own studio in 2013. Fascinated by craftsmanship, she explores the possibilities of modern machines and translates old techniques into contemporary textiles. Subtle colour combinations, patterns and linear elements are typical of her style. Besides developing her own collections, Engelgeer has previously worked with international brands such as cc-tapis, Kvadrat, FEST Amsterdam and Auping.
‘Interior design’, Blueness restaurant, Antwerp, from 2022
