Studio Samuel Tomatis

Studio Samuel Tomatis
Design
Research
About
Basketry
2018-21

The abundance of Guadeloupe's flora is an incredible playground for local basket makers. This weaving technique, using the island's endemic fibres such as bakoua and siguine, is traditionally used to make objects and furniture. After developing leather-like flexible materials from sargassum in the laboratory, we invited local artisans to incorporate them into their weaving. We worked on the notions of hybridisation and assembly to create formal experiments and bring a contemporary dimension. The installation has entered the collections of the Centre Pompidou.

Materials Brown seaweed, siguine, bakoua
Origin Guadeloupe
Acquisition Centre Pompidou
Number of pieces 168
Production Agora grant
Assistant Niels Nijman
Collaborators Damalia, Hélène Silmon, Diatomy Mbaki, Déborah Gombaud-Saintonge, Anaïs Jarnoux
Images Matthieu Barani, Mattis Esnault, Studio Samuel Tomatis
Seaweed, bakoua, siguine basketry
A
Seaweed, bakoua, siguine basketry
B
Formal experiments

C
Bakoua

D
Raw material

E
Exhibition preparation

F
Manufacturing

G
Réseaux-Mondes, Centre Pompidou