Symbols of Utopia — Magnolia, @yamunaforzani & @celinehurka Spring/Summer 2025


Magnolia celebrates blossoming, new beginnings, and transformation. Developed in spring 2025, the piece is part of our ongoing series Symbols of Utopia (generously supported by @stimuleringsfonds ). This 3D-knitted tapestry features hidden typographic symbols inspired by themes of change, female and queer empowerment. The symbols were developed through our ongoing research for which we consulted collections and archives of @huisvanhetboek, @textielmuseum, and @amsterdammuseum.

In spring, Céline visited the @louisianamuseum in Copenhagen. A sunny weekend in April that would change the course of her entire life. In the garden stood a towering magnolia tree in full bloom. Its white and pink blossoms stretched into the sky, surreal in their perfection. That moment of awe became a series of typographic ornaments, later embedded into the piece’s custom aluminum frame, developed in collaboration with Samuel Rynearson.

Magnolia tells our personal stories of transformation and the defining events that shaped our personal lives this spring. It combines it with broader, universal themes: resilience, the beauty of growth, and the power of feminine strength. The series is the result of our friendship. It started from the shared desire to rethink collaborative work and how we can fiercely support each other’s practices.

With special thanks to @vandenbusschemathilde from the @textielmuseum for the development, and to Maria Hviid Bengtson for an unforgettable day at Louisiana.
Thank you for everyone supporting our project with advice and production assistance:
@versacechaciii @tomconroy @billiedoesii @mari_ebisu_ @jacobolvik @riklaging @romy.sterken