The open studio of designer Virgile Durando shows an array of different applications of Japanese Knotweed stems. From weaves to joints and from marquetry to complete furniture, these diverse applications show the versatility of the material. On selected days Virgile will be present in the studio to answer questions and share his knowledge.
Meet the artist in our Aquaponics space as he works on Japanese Knotweed creations. Virgile Durando will transmit the knowledge he has gathered on how to use and manipulate the Japanese Knotweed in a walk-in exhibition setting. Want to try for yourself? The artist offers Remaking Knotweed sessions in which you can craft using knotweed and learn marquetry techniques.
Virgile Durando is a product/material designer and researcher from France. He is our current artist in residency, presently working on how to develop products and a company from waste material of the eradication of invasive species. For his graduation to the Design Academy in Eindhoven he focused on Japanese knotweed, at Mediamatic he continues this research. In his practice he aims to understand this plant, subsequently assembling a list of tools and techniques to turn this contested species into a malleable, fascinating and multi-purposeful material.
Information
14 April - 30 April All week All day The studio display is visible from the street side in front of Mediamatic.
Open studio
Friday - Sunday 15:30 - 18:00 Free Entry
Virgile will be giving workshops "Remaking Knotweed" in the open studio every weekend from 14:00 to 15:30. It is possible to watch but not join the workshop without a ticket. Find more information about the workshop here.
