SPIRAL-SHAPED AP 5001 S

The Biennale took place in October and November at Copenhagen Contemporary, featuring a group exhibition that explored the new digital reality and its influence on crafts and design.

Among the 36 exhibited works was the unique textile artwork by Tronhjem Rømer titled “Overtrykte Rum”. The piece consists of transfer prints on polyester, draped on a custom-curved curtain track, which was suspended from the ceiling on thin wires to create the illusion of floating. The curtain track not only supports the artwork but also becomes an integrated part of the expression through its unique shape, specially designed to complement the digitally printed, semi-transparent textiles.

Based on their outlined design, Tronhjem Rømer asked Stilling’s technicians to create a 33-meter long AP 5001 S track, which was curved into two opposing spirals – or squiggles as they were affectionately dubbed. This achievement played a significant role in bringing the artistic vision to life.

A NEW WAY OF WORKING

The spatial progression is created by a single digitally printed textile panel, which in combination with the distinctive mounting creates a contrast between the two spirals and the two-dimensional course running between them. This progression is supported by a vertical pattern created through 3D sketching.

“For the first time, we have worked with our patterns in a 3D program. This method has created a strong relationship between ornamentation and the physical space. It has undoubtedly changed the entire way we see, think, and work with patterns,” say Tronhjem Rømer.

A SENSOUS EXPERIENCE

“Overtrykte Rum” offers viewers a sensory experience, where traditional print patterns are innovatively disrupted. This artwork, emerging from 3D sketching, forms an open composition that seamlessly merges textile with space.

“An exciting encounter between the digital and the physical space arises when the pattern is materialized in the textile and installed in the room. Here, the many layers of transparent textiles create spatial overprints, providing a physical and sensory experience,”  Tronhjem Rømer explain.

BESPOKE ‘SQUIGGLES’

The 33-meter-long curtain track plays a subtle yet essential role in supporting the impressive textile artwork. Due to its immense length, the track was created in multiple sections and assembled on-site.

“Starting with the customer’s drawing, we first calculate the total length and the number of tracks needed to match the fabric’s length. We often find ourselves using mathematical methods we never thought we’d need in our adult lives,” says Stilling’s technician Carsten Hoffmann with a smile.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

“Since the two spirals are actually identical, we made the sets in pairs to ensure they were exactly alike. We began with the innermost curves, working outward so that all the joints aligned opposite each other. We made the straight passage between the two squiggles flexible, allowing the distance to be adjusted as desired. Since our milling machine only can make full circles, we then adjusted everything by hand.”

“It was exciting to see the squiggles mounted afterwards. It’s not every day that one’s work is exhibited in an art museum,” smiles Carsten Hoffmann.

ABOUT TRONHJEM RØMER

Tronhjem Rømer consists of two textile designers and artisans, Trine Tronhjem and Liv Marie Rømer. They offer commissioned works, product design, as well as colour and material consultation. Their creative practice is rooted in the craft of textile printing. Through the interplay of colour, materials, and light, they aim to create atmospheric and sensory experiences.

Tronhjem Rømer believes that textiles, patterns, and ornaments possess a clear, yet often overlooked, spatial potential, which they strive to manifest through their design practice. They seek to highlight the value of more sensory materials by using textiles and pattern compositions to balance spaces and create a cohesive whole.

PÅ DESIGNMUSEUM DANMARK

Tronhjem Roemer udstiller også på Designmuseum Danmark som en del af gruppeudstillingen “The Future is Present”. Udstillingen løber til december 2024 og hertil har Stilling leveret skinnesystemer i samarbejde med Merkur Gardiner.