Search

Art

Knowing the Ropes Explores the Textile Through a New Lens

03.29.23 | By
Knowing the Ropes Explores the Textile Through a New Lens

It’s so easy to take what we view as utilitarian for granted. That electric cord turns the television on when plugged in. A light bulb makes it easier to see when it’s dark outside. Our clothes are made from cotton. What happens when everyday products and materials are explored on a deeper level? In Knowing the Ropes, designers Brynhildur Pálsdóttir, Þuriður Rós Sigurþórsdóttir, and Theresa Himmer examined rope in a thoroughly Scandinavian context.

ropes being braided on a machine

Braiding machine at Aarhus Possementfabrik \\\ Photo courtesy Knowing the Ropes

In this project, the rope has both cultural and structural meaning and is centered around two production facilities: Hampiðjan in Reykjavík, Iceland and Aarhus Possementfabrik in Denmark. Both have been in business since the early 20th century and use nearly identical machinery. However, their rope is used for two very different industries: interiors and the sea. There is an overlap, which is what the three Nordic artists have focused upon by creating objects with unexpected aesthetic and functional qualities.

concept sketches

Early concept sketch \\\ Image courtesy Knowing the Ropes

Knowing the Ropes began back in 2017 for Pálsdóttir, Sigurþórsdóttir, and Himmer, eventually becoming a publication and a collection of objects and video at the Reykjavík Art Museum in 2021. Now, the artists have taken the evolved project to one of the best preserved examples of a victorian home at the turn of the 20th century – Hallwyl Museum in Stockholm. The overtly ornate space is a virtual palace, with the addition of the Knowing the Ropes exhibition adding an unexpectedly modern turn.

braided electric cord on a traditional rug

Photo courtesy Knowing the Ropes

two modern floor lamps with rope-wrapped bodies and exposed light bulbs

Light 1, 2 \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

detail of of woven rope

Detail of Light 1, 2 \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

two pedestals made with rope

Pedestal 1, 2 \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

detail of pedestals made with rope

Detail of Pedestal 1, 2 \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

standing round mirror make of rope

Standing Mirror \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

detail of woven rope

Detail of Standing Mirror \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

modern 3-leg table made using rope

Table \\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

netting detail of modern 3-leg table made using rope

Detail of Table \\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

modern arch-shaped shelving made using rope

Vitrine I and II \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

detail of netting on modern arch-shaped shelving made using rope

Detail of Vitrine I and II \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

detail of legs of modern arch-shaped shelving made using rope

Detail of Vitrine I and II \\\ Photo: Benita Marcussen

three light-skinned woman post with their creations made from rope

Photo: Íris Dögg Einarsdottir

To learn more about Knowing the Ropes, visit hallwylskamuseet.se.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.