Rope is so much more than a utilitarian textile. In Knowing the Ropes, three nordic designers examine it in an unexpected way.

It’s so easy to take what we view as utilitarian for granted. That electric cord turns the television on when plugged in. A light bulb makes it easier to see when it’s dark outside. Our clothes are made from cotton. What happens when everyday products and materials are explored on a deeper level" In Knowing the Ropes, designers Brynhildur P谩lsd贸ttir, 脼uri冒ur R贸s Sigur镁贸rsd贸ttir, and Theresa Himmer examined rope in a thoroughly Scandinavian context.
Braiding machine at Aarhus Possementfabrik \ Photo courtesy Knowing the Ropes
In this project, the rope has both cultural and structural meaning and is centered around two production facilities: Hampi冒jan in Reykjav铆k, Iceland and Aarhus Possementfabrik in Denmark. Both have been in business since the early 20th century and use nearly identical machinery. However, their rope is used for two very different industries: interiors and the sea. There is an overlap, which is what the three Nordic artists have focused upon by creating objects with unexpected aesthetic and functional qualities. Early concept sketch \ Image courtesy Knowing the Ropes
Knowing the Ropes began back in 2017 for P谩lsd贸ttir, Sigur镁贸rsd贸ttir, and Himmer, eventually becoming a publication and a collection of objects and video at the Reykjav铆k Art Museum in 2021. Now, the artists have taken the evo...