A Convergence of Contemporary Craft in the Heart of Paris
Curated by Francesco Pirrello, two prominent international design exhibitions, Carpet Diem and 1000 VASES, have converged at the historic Espace Commines in Paris. Running from October 23rd to 25th, 2026, the joint event brings together a diverse and multidisciplinary selection of contemporary works, pairing 32 distinct textile pieces with 100 ceramic and glass objects. Set within the architectural framework of the Parisian exhibition hall, the showcase creates a unified material dialogue that challenges traditional boundaries between fine art, craft, and functional design.
Through a distinctive vertical scenography, the dual exhibitions explore contemporary interpretations of craft, form, and material boundaries. Rather than treating fibers, glass, and ceramics as isolated mediums restricted to their own typological zones, the curation actively promotes a spatial conversation. The historic venue serves as an expansive canvas, allowing the delicate interplay of light, texture, and volume to unfold across multiple dimensions. By placing woven surfaces in direct visual and physical proximity to sculptural vessels, the exhibition highlights the shared experimental spirit driving today’s independent designers and international makers.
32 Textile Works Dialogue with 100 Ceramic and Glass Sculptures
The exhibition scenography, conceived by Hervé Sauvage and Jean-Christophe Vaillant, utilizes a pronounced vertical arrangement to seamlessly integrate the two distinct disciplines within a singular volume. Rather than isolating objects into segregated typological zones, the layout elevates hanging woven surfaces, embroidered textiles, and sculptural fabrics directly above and adjacent to ceramic and glass vessels displayed on tiered plinths. This layered spatial strategy encourages visitors to look upward, around, and down, discovering unexpected visual connections between the soft, pliable nature of textiles and the rigid, translucent, or opaque qualities of glass and ceramics.
Carpet Diem showcases a wide array of diverse fiber manipulations, ranging from structural weaving to highly experimental surface finishes. The featured textile pieces push the conventional boundaries of carpets and wall hangings, transforming traditional floor coverings into expressive, sculptural art forms. Designers working within this sphere utilize unexpected materials, complex knotting techniques, and unconventional dying methods to challenge perceptions of what a textile can be within a contemporary interior space.
Concurrently, 1000 VASES presents a vast and varied exploration of the functional vase typology. Utilizing advanced and traditional techniques such as glassblowing, slip-casting, and innovative ceramic glazing, the participating artists and designers bridge the gap between functional design and pure spatial sculpture. Each vase serves as a study in silhouette, volume, and surface texture, demonstrating how a historically utilitarian object can be reinterpreted through a contemporary artistic lens.
Captured through the lens of photographer Sarah Laske, the installation emphasizes the tactile qualities of the works on display. The juxtaposition of soft textiles against hard ceramics and light-catching glass creates a dynamic visual rhythm throughout Espace Commines. As contemporary design continues to blur the lines between collectible design, fine art, and functional objects, exhibitions like the joint showcase of Carpet Diem and 1000 VASES offer a timely exploration of how material craftsmanship continues to evolve in the modern era.
