Original Field of Architecture + Art Bunker

FINALIST

‘Note to Architect’

This tapestry design commenced as a suite of three drawings by Ian Friend entitled ‘Note to Architect’. The sketches were inspired by an architectural proposition by Georges Spyridakis (in Mort Lucide): 

"My house is diaphanous, but it is not of glass. It is more of the nature of vapour. Its walls contract and expand as I desire. At times I draw them close about me like protective armour... But at others I let the walls of my house blossom out in their own space, which is infinitely extensible". 

Friend's drawings provoked Original Field to investigate Spyridakis's realisation as a tapestry in the context of the commissioning building. The resultant design explores solid and void, echoing the gallery buildings. The tapestry design lines mirror a route through the building and the experience of different intensities of fading darkness and light, shelter and exposure. 

The vertical warps hold the piece; it is the ground. The threads hold its length, becoming more or less transparent with the change in density and interplay of the weft. Intentionally double-sided, one side reveals the tapestry's imperfect private face.  

Original Field of Architecture (contributors: Andrew Dawson, Joelle Darby and Francesco Miniati) is a UK collaborative studio motivated by the cross-fertilisation of architectural practice, teaching and research. Art Bunker is a partnership between artist Ian Friend and arts professional and tapestry weaver Robyn Daw. Original Field of Architecture and Art Bunker have worked together on a range of projects in Brisbane, Australia and the UK since 2008. Like the relationship between architect and builder, Original Field of Architecture and Art Bunker are interested in the interface between the artist-architect and the weaver-artist.