Journal

Welcome to Maddux Creative’s journal – a place to discover more about the studio’s co-founders, Scott Maddux & Jo leGleud.

Discovering Olga de Amaral: A Journey into the Richness of Fibre Art

While in Paris for Deco Off, Jo and Scott were fortunate to experience the mesmerising world of Olga de Amaral at the Fondation Cartier.

I discovered the colour, texture, structure of the world of fabric. In a context so rich in possibilities, I learned how to approach that world in a contemporary fashion.”Olga de Amaral.

This landmark exhibition—the first major European retrospective of her work—offered a profound exploration of the artist’s mastery of fibre art, weaving together materiality, texture, and structure with a sensibility that resonates deeply with our own design philosophy.

De Amaral, a pioneering Colombian artist, has long been celebrated for her ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of textile art, creating pieces that exist at the intersection of fine art, craft, and architecture. Her work reflects an innate understanding of materiality, blending fibres with gold leaf and pigments to create compositions that shimmer, shift, and evolve depending on light and perspective. The result is a collection of pieces that are both grounded in craft tradition and entirely contemporary in their aesthetic and execution.

At the Fondation Cartier, the exhibition unfolds in two distinct narratives. Recent works, expansive in scale and ambition, are displayed in light-filled galleries where their shimmering surfaces interact with the architecture in a dynamic, ever-changing dialogue. In contrast, earlier pieces are housed within dimly lit spaces, inviting an intimate encounter with the intricate layering and weaving that define De Amaral’s pioneering techniques. This thoughtful curatorial approach allows viewers to trace her artistic evolution—from her early explorations of woven form and structure to the majestic, almost sculptural compositions of her later career.

The exhibition design by Lina Ghotmeh adds another layer of meaning to De Amaral's work. Inspired by the artist’s profound relationship with the Colombian countryside and its landscapes, the spatial arrangement creates an organic flow that echoes the rhythms of nature. Ghotmeh's sensitive approach enhances the viewer's connection to De Amaral's art, offering a setting that feels both contemplative and immersive, much like the landscapes that have long inspired the artist herself.

For Maddux Creative, De Amaral’s work is more than an exploration of textiles; it is a profound statement on the potential of design to shape emotion and atmosphere. Her pieces possess an inherent duality—rich yet restrained, structured yet organic, historical yet forward-looking—that echoes our own approach to interior design. Just as De Amaral seeks to push the boundaries of what fibre art can be, we at Maddux Creative constantly strive to redefine the parameters of interior space, creating layered environments where materials, textures, and colours harmonise to tell a story.

Her art challenges conventional notions of textile application, transforming soft materials into powerful statements of cultural heritage and personal expression. Each piece becomes a meditation on memory, landscape, and identity—concepts that are deeply aligned with our philosophy of designing interiors that are not only visually compelling but rich in narrative and meaning.

Experiencing De Amaral’s work firsthand reaffirms the power of texture and material to evoke emotion and create connection. As we left the exhibition, we were reminded that great design, whether in art or interiors, transcends the visual. It engages the senses, tells a story, and leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it.

In an era where design can sometimes prioritize aesthetics over substance, Olga de Amaral’s work offers a compelling counterpoint—one that speaks to the profound dialogue between material, form, and history. Her exploration of texture and structure proves that spaces can be more than visual; they can evoke emotion and meaning. As De Amaral herself put it, “Colour and material are not just elements; they are a language.” Her work speaks with a timeless eloquence, offering endless inspiration for those who seek depth and meaning in design.