Silk, a dynamic material known for its luminous qualities, takes center stage in “SVILA,” Ana Kraš’s captivating exhibition at the Emma Scully Gallery. Open from May 7 to June 13, 2026, the exhibition explores silk’s transformative nature through innovative design.
Discover how Yoshiyuki Miyamae transforms textiles into intricate 3D forms using steam-activated fabric, highlighting similar themes of material innovation.
Exploring Silk’s Structural Potential
The exhibition, titled with the Serbian word for silk, unveils a collection comprising SVILA Side Tables, Glass Coffee Tables, and Panel Lamps. Each piece, available in two color variants, highlights silk not as mere decoration but as a material with structural and optical significance. Kraš merges silk with wood, glass, and metal, allowing it to transcend its textile origins and interact with space and light.
The Art of Light and Shadow
The Panel Lamps reveal silk’s texture as a glowing field, while the Glass Coffee Tables use a reflective top to frame and enhance the silk beneath, creating depth alongside gloss. The Side Tables showcase the silk’s raw, tactile qualities, presenting the material in its most unmediated form. Each piece invites viewers to experience silk differently based on its surrounding context.
For a deeper dive into the fusion of art and design, explore how Francesco Lo Castro merges painting and architecture.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
The exhibition’s wooden components, crafted using a traditional Balkan technique, were produced in collaboration with Bosnian artisans. This method, protected by UNESCO, brings a tangible sense of cultural heritage into the collection. Kraš ties this into her broader work, from linear drawings to furniture pieces like the Bonbon lamp that propelled her onto the international stage during her studies at the University of Applied Arts in Belgrade.
A Personal and Cultural Journey
In creating this collection, Kraš drew inspiration from the quiet transformation of early motherhood, paralleling silk’s transition from cocoon to fiber. Speaking Serbian exclusively to her newborn, she sought to infuse her heritage into her work. This collaboration with Bosnian artisans grounds the pieces in a specific craft tradition, offering visibility and preservation amidst industrial pressures.
The evocative nature of silk, explored through Kraš’s unique perspective, speaks to broader themes of time, care, and change. Experience these thoughtful creations in person at the collection’s home, where material exploration meets cultural narrative.
Photography by Joe Kramm.
Discover more minimalist designs from Leo Lei at Leibal, and shop unique furniture at the Leibal Store.
Sources & Links
Source: design-milk.com