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Shapeshifter rug by Michael Rowan and Azmas Rugs
The Shapeshifter rug, featured on Dezeen Showroom, is a collaborative creation between rug brand Azmas Rugs and computer scientist Michael Rowan. This innovative rug showcases an evolving pattern of interlocking tiles, drawing inspiration from various artistic and mathematical concepts. The design's genesis can be traced to Rowan's "math art," which he generated using code in PostScript software. This digital artwork forms the foundational pattern, characterized by two interlocking tiles that undergo continuous shape transformation.
Further artistic influences include MC Escher's renowned Metamorphosis prints, where organic animal forms gracefully emerge from rigid geometric arrangements. This concept of transformation and the interplay between structured and fluid forms significantly informed the rug's dynamic aesthetic. Additionally, the work of architecture professor William Huff, particularly his "Parquet Deformations" – a drafting exercise focused on creating evolving tessellations – served as a partial inspiration. These diverse influences contribute to the Shapeshifter rug's unique visual complexity and its sense of perpetual change.
Azmas Rugs founder Azmi Merican initiated the project by seeking permission from Michael Rowan to translate his digital artwork into a physical rug. Following approval, the rug was meticulously handcrafted by skilled weavers in Rajasthan, India, using traditional hand-loom techniques. This artisanal approach ensured the faithful reproduction of the intricate digital pattern into a tangible textile piece.
To effectively highlight the sharp lines and evolving nature of the pattern, Merican specifically chose a flatweave structure for the rug. This technique allows for a clear and precise rendering of the geometric details. Furthermore, the application of a subtle colour gradient enhances the rug's sense of movement and visual flow, reinforcing the concept of an evolving design. The Shapeshifter rug is a prominent piece within Azmas Rugs' larger "Evolving Patterns" collection, which explores similar themes of dynamic and transformative design.
While the showcased version of the Shapeshifter rug is woven from cotton, Azmas Rugs offers flexibility in material choices. Customers have the option to commission editions in various luxurious and sustainable materials, including bamboo silk, a cotton-bamboo blend, pure silk, or recycled PET. This range of material options caters to diverse aesthetic preferences and environmental considerations, offering a bespoke experience for the consumer. The rug represents a successful fusion of digital artistry, mathematical principles, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design, resulting in a unique and captivating homeware product.
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