(MENAFN- USA Art News)
We present to your attention an interview with the founders of The Fabric Of Bell collaboration.Holmdel, NJ - Paola Zamudio of npz studio+ wanted to elevate the arts to new heights in celebration of the iconic Bell Works to honor the building's rich history of innovation, so as the Lead Designer and Creative Director of Bell Works, she brought on friend and New York-based artist, Sebastien Courty for an unforgettable project.
Could you please tell us more about The Fabric of Bell? How did it come about?
“The Fabric of Bell” is a captivating collection of eight handwoven panels that
beautifully merge the history of Bell Labs with the remarkable metroburb that Bell
Works has become. It is a celebration of the labs' extraordinary accomplishments and
the iconic Eero Saarinen architecture that graces the space. Guided by my
commitment to sustainability, I meticulously designed this art installation by
repurposing old cables and other components,breathing new life into forgotten
materials. The project,commissioned by Ralph Zucker and the vision of Paola
Zamudio, serves as a tribute to the invaluable contributions of Jozef and Jonathan
Straus, who played a pivotal role in transforming Bell Labs into the vibrant Bell Works
we see today. The essence of this endeavor was to seamlessly blend technological
marvels with the graceful contours of EeroSaarinen's design, infused with a touch of
Bauhaus brilliance. Theresulting totems stand as a powerful homage to the pursuit
of knowledge and a testament to the transformative power of art.
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Paola, why did you select Sebastien specifically?
I selected Sebastien because I really admire his work, craftsmanship and attention to
details. I always wanted to pay homage to the history of Bell Labs and all the
innovations that were created in this iconic space and we started to share ideas with
Sebastien. My design philosophy for Bell Works is called retro futurism , which looks
into the past but taking it into the future, I researched about the Bauhaus art
movement and learned that it was a big pioneer in weaving , artist like Annie Albers
made a mark by creating a language through weaving therefore I wanted to
implement this art at Bell Works. I knew that Sebasting would be the perfect artist
to make this happen, the cables, the weaving,the colors , it truly connected the dots.
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How was it working together? What did you enjoy?
Working together was a fantastic journey that unfolds effortlessly with laughter and
positivity. This project was born out of a serendipitous lunch between two friends,
further fuelled by a trip to Dubai for the launch of my collection“Totem, a Wall's
Jewelry”,which ultimately sparked the creation of“The Fabric of Bell” .Paola and
Sebastien share a common vision and most importantly a passion for meaningful
creations. Working alongside there was a fusion of minds and hearts. A partnership
celebrated in a harmonious interplay of creativity and shared purpose.
Sebastien, what were you inspired by?
My inspiration for“The Fabric of Bell” came from the rich history of Bell Labs and the
modernity of Bell Works. I was captivated by the labs' technological advancements
and the elegance of EeroSaarinen's design. Additionally, I drew inspiration from the
principles of the Bauhaus movement, suggested by Paola which emphasizes the
fusion of craftsmanship and technology.However, it was the cables generously
provided for the creation of the Totems that truly ignited my fascination. Their
diverse array of colors, textures, and varying thicknesses was nothing short of
mesmerizing. Each cable became a source of inspiration, a vibrant thread waiting to
be woven into the fabric of my artistic expression. The sheer range of possibilities
they offered truly sparked my imagination.
What makes this installation unique and special?
Reflect upon the sheer magnitude of the secret conversations and groundbreaking
discoveries that unfolded within the very fibers of those internet and communicative
cables. Now, those very cables have transformed into the“Fabric of Bell”, carrying
with them a profound sense of relevance and resonance. It is a testament to the
interconnectedness of it all, how the threads that once facilitated communication
now weave together as a powerful symbol. This realization evokes a deep sense of
sensitivity and appropriateness, highlighting the poetic harmony that exists in
repurposing these cables into a meaningful work of art.“TheFabric of Bell” stands as
a poignant reminder of the hidden stories and transformative moments that coursed
through those very veins of communication, forever imprinted within its intricate
tapestry. Also the fact that it pays homage to the Bauhaus art movement that has
influenced Paola's work throughout her career especially at her project : Bell Works.
Any interesting anecdotes?
I think the process of scavenging the cables and gathering and selecting the right
materials for the pieces was fun, we felt like kids playing with raw materials but with
a great purpose, the whole process was great!
What did it feel like while working with the cables?
Working with cables was a truly captivating experience. Eachcable held its own
unique story and purpose, and it was deeply meaningful to breathe new life into
them, transforming them into visually captivating creations. Weaving these cables
together required meticulous precision and unwavering patience, but the
satisfaction that accompanied the final result was indescribable-a textile art
installation that seamlessly intertwined diverse histories and celebrated boundless
creativity.
Tell us about your future plans. Can viewers expect more of your joint projects?
Looking ahead, I have exciting plans for the future. I am thrilled to continue
collaborating with Paola and her team on upcoming projects. Our shared passion for
sustainability and artistic expression ensures that viewers can expect more
thought-provoking and visually stunning artworks here in the states but also
internationally. Together, we aim to create environments that inspire conversation
and leave a lasting impact.