PE RIPAMONT DESSINS DE CROQUIS(2016 2024)LA BOCCA
COPYRIGHT
All designs contained within this magazine are subject to copyright. No artworks, images or designs may be reproduced without prior consent of Atelier Bowy C.D. (ABCD)reserves all rights for this catalog, in particular for designs, artworks, pictures and texts. The catalog and its content are subject to copyright law and other protective rights.
© ® ™ Atelier Bowy C.D.
With our roots in the vibrant Bowery, we draw inspiration from New York City’s counterculture ethos. Now based in Greater Copenhagen, our avant-garde designs fuse influences from both locales, imbuing our creations with a timeless appeal.
Artistic direction by Calle Henzel
Calle Henzel, the visionary founder and creative force behind Henzel Studio, has dedicated almost three decades to translating his artistic talent as a painter and collage artist into the realm of luxury rug design. His innovative approach has propelled Henzel Studio to the forefront of the industry, solidifying its position as one of the most avant-garde brands incontemporary rug design. Now also serving as the Artistic Director at Atelier Bowy C.D., Calle Henzel’s visionary creativity and extensive experience will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ABCD’s design ethos and collections, infusing them with his unique artistic vision.
Henzel’s artistic process is characterized by an unwavering commitment to originality, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional rug design through meticulous research and bold experimentation.
His work defies conventional norms of subject matter, shape, finishes, and treatments, blurring the lines between art and design. With meticulous attention to detail and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence, Henzel has curated a portfolio of designs that captivate and inspire.
Through collaborations with leading contemporary artists such as Nan Goldin, Douglas Gordon, Bjarne Melgaard, Jack Pierson, Richard Prince, Anselm Reyle, Wilhelm Sasnal, Marilyn Minter, Ashley Bickerton, for the Visual Arts and others, Henzel has brought his distinctive artistic vision to esteemed venues worldwide, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Katonah Museum of Art, The Goss-Michael Foundation, the Rossana Orlandi Gallery, and various other prestigious locations.
Dialogue between Lisa Laudrup, Curator, Kalkeriet Contemporary, and Calle Henzel, Artistic Director of Atelier Bowy C.D.
Location: New York City, February, 2024
Lisa Laudrup : Welcome, Calle. I’m eager to explore your role at Atelier Bowy C.D. and how your collaborations with influential artists such as Richard Prince, Nan Goldin, Douglas Gordon, Carsten Höller, Mickalene Thomas, Jack Pierson, and Helmut Lang, among others at Henzel Studio, have influenced your artistic vision. Can you share how these experiences have shaped your approach within the context of Atelier Bowy C.D.?
Calle Henzel: Thank you, Lisa. My collaborations with visionary artists have been transformative. Each partnership represented an exploration of merging art and design, pushing the boundaries of traditional rug craftsmanship. These experiences taught me the value of creative dialogue and the skill of translating artistic concepts into expressive yet functional pieces.
Notably, when Joakim Andreasson, an esteemed art curator and catalyst of creative projects in Los Angeles for many years, approached me to develop an art rug program for leading international blue-chip artists, it was a pivotal moment. This encounter ignited a passion for expanding the artistic potential of rug design—a passion that is now integral to my role at Atelier Bowy C.D.
Lisa Laudrup: Tell me about an artist or artwork that has particularly inspired your artistic journey.
Calle Henzel: Andy Warhol’s Oxidation paintings have profoundly shaped my artistic vision. This influence has been skillfully translated into unique rug designs within Henzel Studio’s Heritage Art Rug program.
Lisa Laudrup: In what ways have Warhol’s Oxidation paintings impacted your approach to art and design?
Calle Henzel: Warhol’s Oxidation series represents a departure from his silk-screened pieces, embracing raw, spontaneous creation. This experimental spirit resonates with my ethos of exploring new design territories. Our collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation on the Oxidation Paintings collection pays homage to Warhol’s innovation. We meticulously translated the textures and forms into rug designs, blending artistry with functionality.
Lisa Laudrup: The project sounds fascinating. How do you envision these rugs resonating with collectors and interior enthusiasts?
Calle Henzel: Our rugs transcend mere functionality, making dynamic artistic statements within spaces. They spark dialogue and enhance aesthetics, embodying tradition with a contemporary edge. Each piece reflects a blend of artistic expression and innovation.
Lisa Laudrup: How did you navigate the artistic complexities to ensure the integrity of Warhol’s original vision?
Calle Henzel: We approached the project with a deep reverence for Warhol’s process, experimenting with materials and techniques to capture spontaneity and chance. Embracing imperfections was key to honoring Warhol’s spirit while offering a contemporary reinterpretation of abstract art.
Lisa Laudrup: Lastly, could you share insights into Atelier Bowy C.D.’s broader vision for artistic rug craftsmanship and its impact on contemporary design?
Calle Henzel: Atelier Bowy C.D. redefines rug craftsmanship by drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Our designs are a harmonious synthesis of art and function, reflecting dynamic landscapes and timeless elegance. We aim to transcend fleeting trends, embodying a contemporary narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.
I particularly enjoy working with organic forms, blending a futuristic aesthetic with the ancient art of hand-knotting rugs. This juxtaposition of innovation and tradition is not only artistically intriguing but also underscores the enduring allure of handmade craftsmanship. Each rug becomes a testament to the marriage of creativity and centuries-old techniques, resulting in pieces that are both visually captivating and imbued with cultural significance.
Lisa Laudrup: Thank you, Calle, for this enlightening discussion. Atelier Bowy C.D.’s innovative approach to rug design under your leadership is poised to make a significant impact.
Calle Henzel: Thank you, Lisa. It’s been a pleasure delving into our creative journey. I’m deeply passionate about pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through transformative collaborations. Moving forward, I remain committed to advancing artistic rug craftsmanship both at Atelier Bowy C.D. and through ongoing projects with Henzel Studio and the Henzel Studio Collaborations / Heritage art programs.
My work with Atelier Bowy C.D. represents an exciting evolution, blending innovative design with a profound respect for traditional hand-knotting techniques. Our vision is to create rugs that not only enhance living spaces but also evoke emotions and spark conversations, transcending trends to embody timeless elegance and cultural significance.
Simultaneously, I will continue to nurture Henzel Studio’s legacy of artistic exploration and collaboration. Our ongoing projects celebrate the intersection of art and design, inviting leading artists to translate their visions into tactile, immersive experiences through rugs.
I’m energized by the possibilities ahead and look forward to contributing to the evolving landscape of contemporary rug design. Together, we can continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship, enriching the artistic dialogue and inspiring new perspectives in the world of interior aesthetics.
Lisa Laudrup: Before we conclude, Calle, I’m curious to hear about your experiences working in New York City compared to the Greater Copenhagen area. How has the transition influenced your artistic perspective and approach?
Calle Henzel: Ah, an intriguing question, Lisa. Working in New York City was incredibly invigorating, immersed in the vibrant counterculture ethos of the Bowery. The city’s energy and eclectic influences fueled my creativity and pushed me to experiment boldly with design. The gallery and museum scene in New York is unparalleled, offering a dynamic ecosystem that constantly inspires and challenges.
In contrast, the Greater Copenhagen area offers a different pace and ambiance, rooted in rich Scandinavian design traditions. Here, I find inspiration in the juxtaposition of modernity and heritage, which reflects in our rug designs at Atelier Bowy C.D. The serene landscapes and cultural depth of this region have encouraged a more contemplative approach, emphasizing simplicity and craftsmanship.
Navigating these contrasts has enriched my artistic perspective, allowing me to blend the best of both worlds into our rug creations. While Copenhagen may not boast the same density of galleries and museums as New York, we do have exceptional institutions like CC Contemporary and Arken, along with notable design galleries such as Kalkeriet. Additionally, there is a palpable pulse in Copenhagen’s creative scene, characterized by innovative design concepts and a thriving artistic community.
Moreover, the accessibility of international cultural hubs from Copenhagen is remarkable. From Kastrup Airport, one can reach Paris, Milan, Basel (Art Basel), and Venice (Art Biennale) within a couple of hours, facilitating global connections and exposure to diverse artistic expressions.
Lisa Laudrup: Your ability to draw from diverse environments is evident in your work, Calle. Thank you for sharing these insights. I look forward to seeing how these influences continue to unfold in your future projects.
Calle Henzel: Thank you, Lisa. It’s been a pleasure. I’m eager to embark on these exciting ventures and shape the future of artistic rug craftsmanship alongside our valued partners.
End of Dialogue
COPYRIGHT
All designs contained within this magazine are subject to copyright. No artworks, images or designs may be reproduced without prior consent of Atelier Bowy C.D. (ABCD)reserves all rights for this catalog, in particular for designs, artworks, pictures and texts. The catalog and its content are subject to copyright law and other protective rights.
© ® ™ Atelier Bowy C.D.