In a collaboration with multidisciplinary artist AKACORLEONE, Mosaic Factory’s latest Collection “Paysage Sauvage’ adds a new dynamic to the brand’s contemporary range of tiles.
With showrooms in five European cities and a state-of-the-art production facility in Tangier, tile manufacturer Mosaic Factoryhas gone from strength-to-strength since its inception just over twenty years ago. Initially producing cement tiles by hand, the company has since diversified its offering to include granito, zellige and terrazzo designs. Its latest collaboration sees the brand partnering with the Portuguese multidisciplinary artist AKACORLEONE, resulting in a vibrant collection titled ‘Paysage Sauvage’.
The collection, which officially launched last month, includes seven decorative tiles featuring a series of geometric patterns and abstract, figurative shapes conceived by the artist. Alluding to the artist’s identity and the geographical landscape of Tangier, the designs explore the intersection of tangible craft and conceptual art through a narrative which looks at identity and imagination. To celebrate the unique partnership, the artist has also created five sculptural works utilising materials found in the Mosaic Factory workshop.
To gain further inspiration and insight at the project’s initiation, AKACORLEONE held an artistic residency within the Tangier facility where he connected directly with the team of craftspeople behind the tiles, observing the production methods which fed into his creative process. “I drew inspiration for the sculptures and tile collection from the beauty and colours in the raw materials within the factory,” he comments. “It resulted in a blend of the brand’s unique offering and my own identity and visual universe.”
The project came about following the opening of the brand’s Lisbon showroom in 2022. “We were captivated by the city’s vibrant art scene,” says its Creative Director Louisa Alice. “It inspired us to celebrate the buzzing community by collaborating with one of its local artists.” This exciting and dynamic venture for the company showcases its desire to sustain and preserve the legacy of handmade tile craft by embracing fresh designs and aesthetics, making it applicable to the contemporary design world. “It has been an exciting journey to work alongside such an amazing artist,” she continues. “He immersed himself into learning our manufacturing techniques before transforming our materials into innovative pieces of art which was a joy to witness. We’re immensely proud to present this partnership.”
It is collaborations such as this which bring an exciting dynamic to the design world. Not only does it help traditional crafts and skillsets to continue flourishing, but it also means that artists can reach new audiences through varying formats and applications. And, in pursuing such collaborations, it allows brands to find new meaning and purpose within their creations – the key to remaining relevant in an ever-changing world.
The tiles are available to purchase through Mosaic Factory and the sculptures can be found directly through the artist’s website.
Imagery courtesy of Mosaic Factory.
