In the heart of Brooklyn, the storied Dime Savings Bank stands as the base of the borough’s first supertall skyscraper. This Beaux-Arts masterpiece, adorned with a central 40-foot rotunda and imposing Corinthian columns surrounding a grand bronze clock, now sets the stage for an extraordinary display of Mesoamerican aesthetics. Lucas Cantú, a visionary artist and architect based in Mexico City, introduces a captivating collection of handcrafted textile artworks.
The Laberintos Collection of Historic Carpets
Dubbed “Laberintos”—a nod to labyrinthine designs—these rugs are the fruit of a collaboration with Radnor Made, specialized in collaborative contemporary craftsmanship. Cantú, who leads the multidisciplinary Tezontle studio, draws inspiration from Pre-Columbian stonework, particularly the ancient city of Teotihuacán. With each piece, he captures the essence of these historic urban landscapes through his artisan creations.
Art and Architecture Intertwined
“Lucas has been obsessed with ruins since childhood,” shares Susan Clark, founder of Radnor and Radnor Made. “These designs are rooted in his early drawings of mazes, showcasing how rooms and passageways intertwine in ancient cities.” Displayed within the vault of this century-old bank, the collection resonates with the space’s historical richness, where aged marble and tarnished plaster tell tales of the past.
“Archaeological sites are fragments that demand imagination to complete,” Cantú explains. “Their abstraction invites a fresh perspective.” Though major fashion houses have requested to stage events at the bank, Clark’s exhibition is a pioneering initiative, her vision being to embrace the raw elegance of the aged structure.
For a deeper dive into historical architecture’s fusion with modern design, explore Tishman Speyer’s restoration of the Chrysler Building with its stunning new interiors.
Emphasizing Rugged Elegance with Cultural Textiles
These four rug designs echo millennia-old stone formations, featuring hand-knotted Tibetan wool and piled Chinese silk, echoing the bank’s gilded embellishments. Through GoodWeave artisans in Nepal, the collection unfolds in earth tones like cream, olive, and taupe, forming a symphony of sculptural texture for viewers to experience. These handcrafted textiles reflect the rich tapestry of mexican art, intertwining cultural significance with artistic expression.
The Laberintos series transforms the floor into an art canvas, providing a refreshing alternative to illustrative carpets. Cantú’s work, crafted alongside Clark, lends an enduring gravitas, subtly suggesting the ancient majesty that might have once existed on the same grounds. These pieces serve as a testament to timeless artistry.
The exhibit is on view by appointment through December 31 at 9 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Here, the past and present entwine, allowing visitors to walk amidst centuries of art and architecture.
This display of Mesoamerican artistry mirrors the transformation of another space, Sunset Park’s historic waterfront reimagination, uniting creativity and history.
Sources & Links
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Laberintos collection on display?
The Laberintos collection is displayed at the Dime Savings Bank in Brooklyn, setting an extraordinary stage for Mesoamerican aesthetics.
What inspires Lucas Cantú’s rug designs?
Lucas Cantú’s rug designs are inspired by Pre-Columbian stonework, particularly the ancient city of Teotihuacán, and are rooted in his early drawings of mazes and his obsession with ruins.
What materials are used in Cantú’s rug designs?
Cantú’s rug designs use hand-knotted Tibetan wool and piled Chinese silk, emphasizing earth tones like cream, olive, and taupe.
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