Jean-Philippe Demeyer interprets Tolvekarna in exhibition at Svenskt Tenn

The Belgian artist and designer Jean-Philippe Demeyer’s love of nature is evident in the Al Fresco exhibition, which opens at Svenskt Tenn today. Al Fresco is an interpretation of Tolvekarna, Svenskt Tenn founder Estrid Ericson’s summerhouse. For the exhibition, Demeyer has, among other things, designed close to 30 exclusive cushions that will be for sale.

The creations of Belgian artist and designer Jean-Philippe Demeyer grow from and for nature, with a desire to preserve, recycle and give life to something new. The Al Fresco exhibition is his depiction of Svenskt Tenn founder Estrid Ericson’s summerhouse, Tolvekarna, a place where her great interest in both form and nature could freely thrive. Demeyer is known for his colourful and playful design, often inspired by gardens and historic interiors. The Al Fresco exhibition shows, among other things, his exclusive patchwork art, created with the fabric scraps from Svenskt Tenn’s artisanal production.

“We saw Jean-Philippe’s work a few years ago and thought that his aesthetic felt very contemporary while fitting well with Svenskt Tenn. His creations are on the borderline between art and interior design with a humoristic twist that feels exciting. In Al Fresco we get to see both Jean-Philippe’s interpretation of Tolvekarna and also his technique of creating patchwork quilts from fabric scraps, here in the form of Josef Frank’s different prints. Jean-Philippe calls it upcycling, finding new ways to use scrap materials, and this is something that fits well with Svenskt Tenn,” says Thommy Bindefeld, marketing and creative director.

“The upcycling concept is a fundamental principle in my work. The limitations that arise by only using what is at hand becomes a driving force in the creative process. Finding new uses for scrap materials gives me a sense of well being. The first time I met with Svenskt Tenn and presented my products and my technique, it became clear that sustainability is as much of a driving force for them as for me. I am therefore extra proud of this collaboration,” says Jean-Philippe Demeyer, artist and designer.

Products and prices
Demeyer has created nearly 30 unique cushions – this is haute couture where each item is one of a kind. Some of the cushions will be sold online and the rest will be for sale in the store. These fabric objects are made of remnants and scraps from Svenskt Tenn’s production and all of them are sewn by hand using the patchwork technique. Demeyer has also created Milky Eye, a collection consisting of cushions and a tray that will be included in Svenskt Tenn’s regular range. These are inspired by Demeyer’s own fabrics depicting his characteristic eye motifs in different forms.
Price examples: Al Fresco Couture cushion 700 €, Golden Eye tray 70 €, Milky Eye cushion 240 €

The Al Fresco exhibition takes place at Strandvägsgalleriet from March 26th to May 30th at Strandvägen 5 in Stockholm, but the inauguration will be held on the evening of March 25th through a live digital webcast on svenskttenn.se at 6:30. No pre-registration is required.