If you didn’t catch our IKEA Democratic Design Day coverage on Instagram, IKEA announced the eight contemporary artists it tapped on to create the 2019 IKEA Art Collection, a series of limited edition handmade wool rugs ranging in a variety of sizes, colors and artistic expressions. During the 2-day event, IKEA emphasized the idea of “democratic design,” that is, bringing design to the homes of the many, not just the few who can afford it or access it. With this collection, objects that would normally be treasured in galleries or museums can now be treasured in your own home.
The artists, hailing from various backgrounds including painting, sculpture, and fashion, had free range to create their piece from their own studios all over the world. The rugs are all manufactured in Egypt and India using traditional techniques like dhurrie weaving and hand-tufted piling.
From Brooklyn-based design duo Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao of Chiaozza: “Inspired by spring time scenes in the deserts of the American southwest, the color blocks, squiggles, doubts, and dots of this rug invite people of all ages to sprawl out, daydream, and get lost discovering little moments of play and tactility.”
From London-born fashion designer Craig Green: “With this rug I was interested in exploring the idea of paradise, of escaping reality. Of making a portal or doorway to transport us to somewhere better.”
From Polish artist Filip Pagowski, creator of the Comme des Garçons “heart logo”: “The idea behind the design was the notion of weaving, with the image reflecting the mechanics of using yarn to build a rug. The abstract rhythm of an endless pattern built on the same grid results in a kind of charming, handmade imperfection.”
From Japanese artist Misaki Kawai: “Wild Family, moja-moja jungle. Combing season with fluffy friends. Let’s enjoy moko-moko days!”
From Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist Noah Lyon: “This rug depicts the whirlwind of interconnected life as our world tumbles through the universe. It is inspired by the Navajo whirling log – the story of a man who encounters whirlpools and spirits that teach him things of great value to his people.”
From Korean artist Seulgi Lee: “With this dhurrie, I wanted to bring the light of water inside. I thought of northern Indian artists, the city of Ayodhya, ancient Korean queen Heo Hwang-ok and, above all, the power of colors. Let’s be happy. As happy as a fish in water.”
From urban artist SupaKitch: “I wanted to play with the concept of the classic animal rug. I looked for an interesting animal to put on the floor and the snake came to mind. As a totem animal, the snake is a spiritual guide that heals. Snakes shed their skin and symbolize rebirth.”
From OFF-WHITE Founder, Virgil Abloh: “I wanted an ironic take on the traditional attitude to furnishing where the living room is just a showroom, not somewhere you sit. The parental ‘don’t ruin the furniture’ kind of thing I think has really impacted how younger people think of furniture today.”
The IKEA Art Collection will be available for a limited time starting Spring 2019.