What if textiles were not merely a covering, but the very element that gives furniture its form? This is the starting point for Lærke Ryom’s practice, which views the material as a means of constructing an object. While traditional upholstery relies on tension and constraint—fixing fabric onto rigid forms—the designer’s approach is akin to that of a tailor: she creates pieces that clothe the structure, allowing the material’s natural drape and inherent qualities to shine through.
This approach is fully realized in her debut exhibition at the Innenkreis gallery in Copenhagen—a brand-new space launched by curator Zeynep Rekkali Jensen, showcasing functional art alongside pre-1940 decorative arts. Titled "Raiments"—an Old French word for garments—the exhibition features handcrafted textile pieces that drape over the structures of objects and furniture, softening their lines. By blurring the boundary between framework and covering, Lærke Ryom’s work asserts that the sense of touch plays a vital role in how objects acquire form and presence. "I was introduced to the language of Danish functionalist modernism, where structure is often viewed as truth and fabric as mere ornament," the designer explains. "My work proposes a shift: the textile is no longer secondary or decorative, but engages in an equal dialogue with the structure." The designer’s lamps, wall sconces, and seating are enveloped in generous layers of wool and canvas featuring contrasting edges; this creates a subtle visual shift that intrigues the eye, making the creations as beautiful as they are compelling. The gallery presents Lærke Ryom’s creations alongside a selection of objects—including nesting tables by Josef Hoffmann, a table lamp by Gio Ponti, and 19th-century vernacular pieces—placing them within a broader continuum of decorative tradition. It is a fine collection on view until May 23, 2026, and a gallery to keep an eye on from now on.
The article is originally written in french.