2017, velour carpeting mounted on hinged panels, backside mirrored, oak frame, two hand-blown glass nozzles, Studio vacuum cleaner, open: height 210 cm, width 212 cm, depth approx. 10 cm; closed: width 105 cm. (DRAX)

Video: A “Zen Rug” triptych, breadedEscalope

A unique object.

The concept of the “Zen Rug” was first presented during a performance in the solo exhibition “daily routines” at the Elga Wimmer Gallery in New York in January 2017.

At the heart of the work is a tripartite arrangement of wall carpets. The surface of the stretched velour carpeting changes its shine and play of colour depending on the beholder’s interaction and perspective. The central panel is covered in black and can be hidden behind the two smaller side wings. When closed, one can only see the mirrored exteriors of the doors.

There is a strong contrast in terms of size and signalling effect between open and closed state. The ambition of Zen Rug to be considered a critical design object or product results from its functional orientation, which has been inspired by miniature Zen gardens (an adaptation of Japanese rock gardens).

The designers have reflected upon the possibilities of an absurd and exaggerated product – a niche of consumerism founded on lifestyle. Here the image of an engineered and commercialised, yet simultaneously spiritual action is created that is carried ad absurdum. The tools to be employed by the beholder in order to individualise the surface accompany the installation in the form of two hand-blown glass nozzles for a vacuum cleaner resembling the rakes used for the meditative care of kare-san-sui rock gardens. Fitting into the hoses of customary vacuum cleaners, the glass nozzles are used to draw the characteristic pattern onto the carpet. At the same time, they prevent the object from being soiled by improper handling.