Boy & Erik Stappaerts Polarization carpet Red

For any special requests or customized sizes, please feel free to get in touch with us by sending an email to info@ashtaricarpets.com.

With the grand re-opening in september 2022 of the KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp) the Antwerp modern artist Boy & Erik Stappaerts installed gigantic color walls here. In addition to the permanent collection of masterpieces by Rubens and Ensor, the museum also integrates contemporary art.

The modern abstract carpet “Polarization Red” and "Polarization Red" is based on his Polarization Paintings. Ashtari has translated and produced the artwork into two beautiful modern abstract carpets/rugs and in two standard sizes. A smaller version in 240x170 cm's and another in 300x200 cm's and limited to 8 pieces each. 

The gradually expanding horizontality exhales coordination and balance as in a Tai chi exercise that aims to control and introspect. Visual fields of color that ebb out in waves and in this way also depict sociological polarization, with the gap between classes gradually widening, until the midfield completely blurs and becomes a sort of zero point. Polarization Paintings cause a perceptually subtler awareness of fields of tension, but they are also always looking for a new order. Art as a means of individual and environmental development.

There are 2 rugs : Polarization Red and Polarization Blue.

Ashtari is honored to be able to collaborate with Boy & Erik Stappaerts for this special hand-knotted carpet. The project originated from a mutual respect for each other's craft and person. Boy's creative vision and passion has attracted us enormously. We have always been fans of his work and where curious to see how we could use our medium for his artistry. In the development of Polarization Blue and Red we had an advisory and technical role regarding material choice and technical possibilities, whereby we were happy to share our expertise.

Less is more. In the eye of the beholder and it gets more interesting when he is close and personal with the rug. If the rug is used as a wallhanging then it acts as a painting and all shades will appear and disappear when looked at it from a certain viewpoint and lighting.

The way the 24 shades of color are gradually coming together is atypical and a complex proces. Weaving mistakes would immediately be noticed and the design would fall apart. Therefore there was no room for error and every rug was closely monitored.

We also did not want to overextend ourselves by using silks or other so called high-end materials. We wanted to keep it sobre, matte and sleek. Therefore 100% hand spun New Zealand wool was the perfect choice. Also having the benefits of an easy to maintain rug or wallhanging.

Normally we have more than enough color shades within the our color reference system but in this case we needed many more. Therefore we had to create custom shades which took some time to develop and adjust to one another. An exciting process with astonishingly beautiful results.