Muller Van Severen

Muller Van Severen

↓ Read on
Photography by ©FrederikVercruysse

Carpet blue / green

Carpet blue-green is the first carpet that Muller Van Severen has designed. The carpet is first presented in 2016 at Biennale Interieur in Kortrijk and is produced in collaboration with Ashtari, renowned for hand-crafted and high-end carpets and kelims. Carpet blue-green consists of Tibetan wool, Pashmina wool and Cashmere silk. The variety in brilliance between the silk and the wool creates a depth of field. More than forty tones of green and blue were implemented, making the carpet a very labor-intensive product. The carpet offers a look into the past of Muller Van Severen. As an artist, Fien Muller used to focus on still life photography and created colorful collages with different kinds of materials. The illustration on the carpet consists of pieces that were extruded from her former photography work and suggests a lot of movement.

 

Carpet blue / yellow

Carpet blue-yellow is the second carpet that Muller Van Severen have designed. Inspired by a drawing from Muller van Severen, the carpet is a captivating collage of Fien's work. The meticulous process of color selection and material choice was highly intricate. Transforming the design into a carpet proved to be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. With over 46 colors, the carpet features a stunningly intense background that transitions from a lighter blue down the full width of the rug. This background meets a deeply intense blue color in the top left corner and a slightly lighter intense blue in the top right, creating a visually striking effect. The beautiful yellow, crafted in 100 percent pure Chinese silk, provides a captivating contrast against the woolen blue background.

The carpet is first presented in 2019 at Collectible in Brussels and is produced in collaboration with Ashtari, renowned for hand-crafted and high-end carpets and kelims. Carpet blue-yellow is a technical masterpiece that was made in traditional workshops in Nepal. Carpet blue-yellow consists of Tibetan wool, Pashmina wool and Cashmere silk. The variety in brilliance between the silk and the wool creates a depth of field. The carpet offers a look into the past of Muller Van Severen. As an artist, Fien Muller used to focus on still life photography and created colorful collages with different kinds of materials. The illustration on the carpet consists of pieces that were extruded form her former photography work and suggests a lot of movement.

About the collaboration

We are privileged to announce our collaboration with Hannes and Fien for the creation of this extraordinary hand-knotted carpet. This project emerged from a shared respect for each other's craftsmanship and individuality. The synergy between collaborators is crucial, and in the case of Muller Van Severen, this connection was established seamlessly. Hannes and Fien, both versatile creatives, have captivated us with their vision and passion—an inspiring blend of art and design.


As longtime admirers of their work, we were particularly eager to witness how their artistic perspective would manifest in the realm of hand-knotted carpets. Our role in the development of this carpet was advisory and technical, where we gladly contributed our expertise in material selection and technical considerations.

The use of Pashmina wool, known for its softness, adds a luxurious touch to the carpet. Its natural whiteness enhances the contrast with the vibrant colored surfaces. The 'gradient' in the blue segment, crafted from natural silk, injects dynamism and vitality into the overall design. In contrast, the colored wool sections exhibit a matte finish, creating a more pronounced and harmonious tempering effect.

The deliberate alternation of these raw materials introduces a captivating interplay of textures and colors, altering the viewer's perception as light interacts with the matte wool and exquisite silk components. This collaborative venture has resulted in a truly exceptional piece that seamlessly merges technical precision with artistic vision.

We take pride in sharing this unique creation with you, reflecting the harmonious convergence of craftsmanship and creativity.

Carpet blue / yellow presented in Villa Cavrois

As part of Lille Metropole 2020, World Design Capital, Muller Van Severen are invited to the iconic Villa Cavrois for an exceptional exhibition. Inspired by the modernist masterpiece by architect Mallet-Stevens, they present a selection of their oeuvre, including the recently launched 'alltubes' series, carefully set up in the different rooms of the modern castle. A new piece 'seat villa cavrois' was designed especially for this exhibition. The discovery of the Villa Cavrois was a real revelation for Muller Van Severen, as Mallet-Stevens' masterpiece resonates so closely with the world of the designer couple. This exhibition presents a rigorous selection of furniture and objects, sometimes created especially for the event, which dialogue with the modern 'Château de Croix', thus affirming a little more its astonishing contemporaneity.

Reza Ashtari
Tagged: Collab