Al Fresco

Exhibited at Strandvägen 5 26.03.2021 – 30.05.2021

A personal aesthetic and playfulness that culminates in timeless and colourful form. Jean-Philippe Demeyer is often inspired by different environments and has created a unique collection of upcycled textile art exclusively for Svenskt Tenn. He tells us all about the inspiration behind the work, his bond with nature, the importance of thinking sustainably and why Estrid Ericson's summer house has left an impression on both his mind and creativity.

Belgian artist and designer Jean-Philippe Demeyer sees inspiration everywhere: in gardens, museums, fashion, and in historical interiors. But he needs to empty his mind to be creative.

Discover the latest exhibition ‘Al Fresco’ and watch the video above from the digital opening.

Al Fresco Exhibition Svenskt Tenn

Jean-Philippe is known for his creative, playful and colourful textile designs, often pieced together layer by layer through patchwork, and with his characteristic features, such as fringes, flowers and eyes.

“I'm obsessed with themes. No matter what I do, I am constantly looking for a theme to build upon, since it gives me both structure and inspiration. Inspiration grows with limitations, and I get creative within the framework of a theme. This is also why I enjoy working with, for example, recycled textiles and waste materials. If I decide that I can only use old clothes from my own wardrobe to sew a cushion, then creativity will come based on that. At the same time, it means that I get to work with upcycling, and use something old to create something new, glamorous and unique.”

The environment and nature are important in several senses for Jean Philippe, who emphasises long-term thinking in both creation and consumption.

“It is so important that we preserve our environment - that we always think long-term and strive to have everything that we create and buy last for a long time. Timelessness and classics are part of the future and I think we should always decorate for a lifetime, not just for a couple of years to come. Both consumers and companies should take that approach.”

Al Fresco Exhibition Svenskt Tenn

Svenskt Tenn's founder Estrid Ericson spent a lot of time in her summer house called Tolvekarna, (The Twelve Oaks) outside of Stockholm. It was a place that gave her energy and inspiration, and when Jean-Philippe saw old pictures from the house, something clicked.

“I loved everything! The house, the name, the terrace… living close to nature. I prefer to be outdoors all the time and am so incredibly attracted to everything that has to do with summer houses and houses in the country. It gives me a feeling of freedom, the thought of being in cherished nature. For me, it is pure romance.”

Al Fresco Exhibition Svenskt Tenn

With fabric remnants from Svenskt Tenn’s production, Jean-Philippe has created Al Fresco - a textile art collection that is sold exclusively at Svenskt Tenn.

“I bought my very first fabrics from Svenskt Tenn almost 10 years ago. I fell in love with the magical effect that the prints had on me, it reminded me of the tale ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. In these creations, I have been able to use my imagination to give it all a twist, with a touch of eccentricity and humour.”

Al Fresco Exhibition Svenskt Tenn

The exhibition on Strandvägen 5

Al Fresco Exhibition Svenskt Tenn