After Textiles Revealed in 2019, WBDM is organising a new contemporary textile design exhibition,The Gift To Be Simple, curated by Lidewij Edelkoort and Philip Fimmano as part of the 7th annual New York Textile Month. The show investigates the straightforwardness of Belgian design and how it correlates to a more sober aesthetic today.
Initiated by Lidewij Edelkoort, founder of MFA Textiles at Parsons the New School, this multi-location event will bring together all voices and expressions about textiles, bringing together museums, galleries, showrooms, retailers, designers, artists, design studios, students and the general public.
As a trend forecaster, Edelkoort has been observing the emergence of paired-back design for several years, noting that “In chaotic and fearful times, humanity will naturally look for answers and find solace in simplicity. People are trying to make the ordinary extraordinary.” Additionally, with many people relocating to rural regions during the pandemic, a more rustic approach is also impacting interiors, fashion and lifestyle.
Through the textile-based works of 9 talented women, the show investigates the straightforwardness of Belgian design and how it correlates to a more sober aesthetic today: discovering excellence in everyday items. This ethos is amplified by purist furniture from the manufacturer Atmosphère & Bois Home, partly fabricated from reclaimed woods.
The textile creations exhibited will be of various types: installations, tapestries, carpets, table and household linen, but also wallpaper.
Exhibition The Gift To Be Simple by Belgium is Design, with:
Alexia De Ville
Céline Vahsen
Charlotte Lancelot
Design For Resilience, Vanessa Colignon
Emma Cogné
Geneviève Levivier
Laure Kasiers
Natalia Brilli
Pascale Risbourg