Zak + Fox has launched its new 'Qualia' textile collection, a captivating series of 14 designs that aim to evoke the unique, subjective sensations of human experience. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as midcentury modernism, cosmic phenomena, and the ambiance of desert hotels, the collection is both visually striking and conceptually profound. Each design, with its mysteriously evocative name like 'Umbra,' 'Syzygy,' and 'Eclissi,' invites viewers to connect with their personal feelings and interpretations. The collection is brought to life through a stunning photographic series by Stephen Kent Johnson, set in an atmospheric, seemingly forgotten midcentury hotel, and will be featured in a year-and-a-half-long residency at the PRB Collection in Manhattan, starting February 10.
This collection represents a deep exploration of how we perceive and understand the world around us, focusing on the idea that meaning is not inherent but rather created through individual experience. Zak Profera, the creative director and founder, emphasizes that the collection is a narrative about visceral comprehension, where the viewer's personal connection to the designs is paramount. By showcasing the fabrics on vintage furnishings within the nostalgic setting of an old hotel, the photography adds a layer of dreamlike quality, suggesting that these textiles are more than just decorative elements; they are catalysts for emotional and sensory engagement, inviting a reflection on beauty, awe, and the strangeness of existence.
The Sensory Essence of Qualia: Zak + Fox's Evocative Textile Collection
Zak + Fox's latest textile offering, the 'Qualia' collection, delves into the philosophical concept of qualia—the private, subjective qualities of sensory experience. This innovative collection comprises 14 distinct designs, each a testament to the brand's unique approach to textile creation. Influences range from the clean lines of midcentury modern aesthetics to the boundless expanse of the cosmos and the tranquil solitude of desert hotels. The resulting patterns are not only visually appealing but also carry a sense of intrigue and depth, prompting observers to consider the deeper meanings and personal connections inherent in everyday objects. Through this collection, Zak + Fox endeavors to transcend mere decoration, transforming textiles into conduits for individual sensory journeys.
The creative vision behind the 'Qualia' collection, as articulated by founder Zak Profera, centers on the visceral understanding of reality, where significance is fluid and deeply personal. Designs such as 'Umbra,' a subtly shimmering check, 'Syzygy,' which channels celestial energy, and 'Eclissi,' a vibrant floral weave, are named to hint at their enigmatic qualities. These pieces encourage a spectrum of responses, from appreciating their aesthetic beauty to experiencing a profound sense of wonder or engaging in nostalgic contemplation. The promotional imagery, captured by Stephen Kent Johnson, further enhances this narrative, portraying the fabrics adorning vintage furniture in an abandoned midcentury hotel. This setting imbues the collection with a cinematic, slightly eerie charm, as if the past inhabitants have only momentarily departed, leaving behind a rich tapestry of unspoken stories and sensory impressions. This thoughtful presentation underlines the collection's invitation to reconnect with one's inner feelings and the subtle yet powerful impact of sensory experiences.
A Journey into Nostalgia: Exhibiting the Qualia Collection
To fully immerse design enthusiasts in the evocative world of the 'Qualia' collection, Zak + Fox has orchestrated a year-and-a-half-long residency with PRB Collection, a renowned North Carolina furniture dealer. Commencing on February 10, this residency provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the collection at Zak + Fox's Manhattan showroom. The exhibition features a curated selection of vintage furniture, meticulously upholstered in the new 'Qualia' fabrics, alongside over 150 objects personally selected by Zak Profera. This immersive experience is designed to showcase how these textiles can transform spaces and evoke deep-seated emotions, encouraging a return to sensory awareness in a world often dominated by the intangible.
The residency at the Manhattan showroom serves as a physical manifestation of the 'Qualia' philosophy, allowing individuals to engage directly with the textiles and the stories they tell. Vintage pieces, such as a tufted sofa covered in the whimsical 'Gardenia' floral or a rattan loveseat embraced by the 'impish' 'Laglinu,' are presented in a way that highlights their inherent charm and the fabrics' transformative power. The creative imagery, where designs like 'Copia' are depicted floating on a clothesline, further amplifies the dreamlike and poignant atmosphere that Zak + Fox aims to create. This extensive exhibition is not merely a display of new products; it is a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of personal experience and to rediscover the rich, often overlooked, sensory details that shape our perception of the world. Through this immersive presentation, Zak + Fox strongly advocates for a renewed engagement with our feelings and the aesthetic qualities that define our environments.