This Colourful Furniture Collection Takes Inspiration From Crochet and Hand-Making

Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos loves using whimsical, hand-made elements in her work—she tells us more about her latest collection for Roche Bobois

Known for her massive, site-specific installations that are playful, distinctive and flamboyant, Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos has showcased her works at star venues such as the Guggenheim Bilbao and the Palace of Versailles. Despite having exhibited at these notable places, the creative maven says she takes much of her inspiration closer to home, from the beauty of the everyday. “I believe we are deeply influenced by what surrounds us and the everyday objects we live with,” reveals Vasconcelos.

For Bombom, a new collection commissioned by French furniture brand Roche Bobois, Vasconcelos has crafted a vibrant array of modular pieces, distinguished by a striking striped detailing on the backrests and along the sides of the sofa seats. “In Portugal, the concept of light has a strong white quality, and that has a deep impact on our chromatic spectrum in the way we relate to colour—that is reflected in the choice of tones used in the Bombom collection,” she shares.

Above Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos

The main inspiration came from my crochet creations, which feature lots of colourful and fluid shapes

— Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos

She also finds the baroque movement, which greatly impacted the art world in Portugal during the 17th and 18th centuries, especially inspiring. “This style is present throughout my work and has also inspired the shape of the collection’s intertwining sofas,” she adds. Here, Vasconcelos discusses her new designs for Roche Bobois, as well as the impact of her own heritage on her creative output.

Above The collection also offers various rugs and cushions with vibrant motifs

Tell us more about the Bombom line.
Joana Vasconcelos (JV) The collection comes in different modules, shapes and colours, giving everybody the chance to find what’s more comfortable and appealing to them by curating their own domestic environment. It almost feels like placing Lego pieces together in a very fluid and organic way.

Above The collection also offers various rugs and cushions with vibrant motifs

How has your background as an artist influenced your designs for Roche Bobois?
JV I use crochet a lot in my pieces. The craft is a product of the home environment, which is like Tetris—structural, poetic and the most intimate landscape one can build and enjoy. Crochet pieces are usually handed down through the generations within a family. It’s a process I deeply appreciate because I know the amount of time and effort that is put into it.

In my travels, I often buy artisan-made crochet and embroidery pieces because I believe that is the best way to value the craft. The second way is to incorporate it into my artwork while keeping the respect for its essence. For the Bombom collection, the main inspiration came from my crochet creations, which feature lots of colourful and fluid shapes.

Above The collection also offers various rugs and cushions with vibrant motifs

What kind of combinations do you envision customers will come up with?
JV Rather than imagining, I prefer to wait and see what will happen. I think it’s a lot more fun to see the combinations people will come up with, almost in a curatorial way of their home environment. And I look forward to that! I would rather give people the opportunity to be creative in relation to their spaces and their own bodies.

What was the biggest challenge you faced on this project?
As a visual artist, I never had to worry about the idea of comfort even though my work is very tactile and interactive. Therefore, the biggest challenge in this whole process was that of functionality, such as ergonomics and comfort.

(Related: 4 Ways to Brighten Your Home With the Bombom Collection by Roche Bobois)

Topics

Roche Bobois Joana Vasconcelos Furniture Home Decor

Tatler Asia

This Colourful Furniture Collection Takes Inspiration From Crochet and Hand-Making