BATIT studio applies 2000 handmade ceramic pieces to create a colorful wall carpet

BATIT studio has recently completed a wall-mounted artwork for the tel aviv crafts and design biennale, 2020. measuring 2×2 meters and using almost 2000 handmade ceramic components, ethnic:synthetic breaks with traditional carpets to create a more fluid shape that interacts with the inner pattern.

all images by anatoly krinitsky

the design process began with 2D sketches on paper. after creating some interesting compositions, the designer moved onto 2D computer software to generate the silhouette and the pattern of the work. the next step was to 3D model the design and produce an accurate render with the chosen color palette. 

following the design process, the perspex sheet was milled using a CNC machine while all the ceramic pieces were formed and glazed. after the perspex sheet was sprayed white and attached to a birch plywood frame, the piece was hung in tel aviv’s eretz israel museum. then began a 12 hour mission to insert all the ceramic components, resulting in a striking, three-dimensional artwork that looks different from every viewpoint. 

ethnic:synthetic is composed of a number of shapes, replicating themselves at differentiating heights, and together creating a three-level carpet. the different ceramic pieces are interwoven to create a three-dimensional pattern as a new and modern interpretation of a carpet. as opposed to the carpet we are familiar with, in which the graphic elements stay identical from every angle, the 3D effect of this carpet creates varied and diverse angles. it plays with the element of depth and creates shade and hidden colors, giving new life to the graphic element of the carpet.

the project is inspired by traditional wall carpets, with the belief that new designs use existing ones, ask questions about them and look for ways to reinterpret them through material, shape and color. with this project, BATIT studio hopes that observers understand where the work originates from, in order to understand the work as a whole.

I always loved basic shapes – tetris, puzzles, lego – and enjoyed seeing something big constructed out of many tiny pieces. it’s my whole childhood in an art piece – I don’t go to ‘work’, I go and play. i’m an israeli designer in a country that is a melting pot of cultures – my mom’s tunisian, my father’s algerian/spanish – I have all these cultural effects in my veins. and the carpet always stands as a souvenir – my grandparents held one in their homes from their native countries – a picture on the floor with such history and so many stories behind it, explains tal batit of BATIT studio.

tal batit with the work

tal batit with the work

testing hole sizes after CNC milling

project info:

project name: ethnic:synthetic

design: tal batit / BATIT studio

photography: anatoly krinitsky

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom