Kinooni Dialogues – Studio Marcel van Doorn
Kinooni Dialogues is a collection of finely handcrafted luxury carpets, bridging the historical symbols of Swahili culture with the remarkably refined craftsmanship of Chinese weaving with both traditional techniques and new technologies. Studio Marcel van Doorn created an edition of exquisitely constructed pieces with a very modern, contemporary feel. – Marcel is not just an established artist, living between Amsterdam, Paris and Lamu (Kenya), but mostly a visual storyteller whose previous works have been celebrated by many in the worlds of fashion, art and design. His clients include Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Venice Biennale, Ruinart, Vacheron, Swarovski. (text Fiona Makkink)
© CREDITS
- Kinooni Dialogues is a project conceived by Studio Marcel van Doorn – commissioned, financed and produced by Fuli Carpet (China)
- Art Swahili Culture (Africa) © Indigenous Intellectual Property ICIP
- Concept + Creative direction Marcel van Doorn
- Design Assistent Sophie Wartenbergh
- Digital Textile Design Tjitske Storm
For this unique project Marcel van Doorn commissioned several creatives who each contributed with their specialized skills and creativity, while working with his concept and creative direction. Most graphic artworks are literally extracted from historical art within the UNESCO World Heritage site Lamu, created by Swahili Artists. Some graphic artworks are a remix of these ancient arts (one is graphic designed by me, and others are graphic designed by Sophie).
From digital to tactile
I was commissioned for my carpet/textile expertise, being an independent designer, and took care of the digital textile design and detailed technical product sheets of the rugs and tapestries. My work included creatively composing and drawing the different tufting and carving techniques, 3D-reliefs in different heights, versatile material effects, embellishments (knottings) and colour implementations. Hereby selecting and combining divergent swatches from Fuli and specific digital techniques. The initially one-of-a-kind rugs and tapestries are made by the crafts(wo)men from Fuli, while passing through an extensive sample process and adding even more creativity from all.
Year 2019 © photoshoot/styling Fuli (China) – © Swahili Art (Africa) ICIP – Marcel van Doorn at Masterly – Milan Design Week 2023 was financially supported by Dutch Culture/ Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rome. I distance myself from any further inappropriate exploitation and the ongoing violation of IP-rights.
