Knots Rugs X Barcelona artist Alicia Gimeno - a new collection inspired by Catalan Modernism and Japanese Calligraphy

Knots Rugs X Alicia Gimeno - one of four designs

Knots Rugs has collaborated with the Spanish artist, Alicia Gimeno on a range of monochrome rugs based on original paintings using abstract Japanese calligraphy and Nepalese Paper, inspired by natural forms. Launched in New York at Cover Connect (14-16 September) and in London at Decorex (6-9 October). 

Each fluid monochrome artwork by the highly collectible Barcelona based artist has been painstakingly translated by Knots for the floor. The collaboration came about when Alicia and her gallery owner husband, Pau Escat @Escatgallery worked at the Bahadur Social Project, an NGO focused on improving the lives of children in the Chepang, Nepal. The designs in the collection are named after four of the girls the artist met there.

Knots Founder, Bonnie Sutton is embedded in the local Nepalese community where the Knots workshops are based. They are also heavily involved in supporting the Nepalese weaving communities via their partnership with Label Step, the Fair Trade organisation that oversees the rug industry in Nepal and beyond. When Bonnie came across Alicia’s work, it was not only her art that motivated the idea of the collection, but also the mutual connection with Nepal. It gives the new collection a unique synergy in both its inspiration and in its marrying of ancient techniques with thoroughly modern designs.

Bonnie Sutton, founder Knots Rugs said, “This is a very special artist collaboration - it is a blend of our love for art, the work of Alice and Nepal and its people. We have spent 17 years working in Nepal and we have built very strong relationships with the community and the artisans with which we work. It is emotional to have this represented in something physical that is also beautiful, delicate and heart felt.”

“My work is strongly inspired by Catalan modernism and the way botanical inspiration blends with architecture. Form is the core of my work, inspired by calligraphic gestures and roots. The collection I created for Knots Rugs stems from a life-changing experience in Nepal. I had the privilege of working with an NGO called the Bahadur Social Project in Nepal. I was profoundly influenced by the lives of the girls in the Chepang village. Each one radiated a special energy and love. It is not easy being a girl in many places around the world and I hope that education will be available for all one day. It has been a beautiful experience to remember each one through my paintings and a way to honour each one of them and the impact they had on me.” Alicia Gimeno.

Alicia Gimeno at her studio in Barcelona