Six flags rise as monuments, suspended in a state of ascension, between pride and collapse.
Born from the textile traditions of Flanders, each surface carries the memory of touch, labour, dedication and strength. Flags have long symbolised nations, alliances, victories and desire; here, they transform into something more fragile, almost mortal.
The textile works, exceeding the dimensions of the human body, invite visitors to wander among colour, weight, texture and movement. Together, they weave different textile techniques and identities into a collective landscape of rising forms.
The installation unfolds as a tactile architecture; immersive, sensual and ceremonial in its vertical pull.
Yet within this grandeur lies the inevitability of disappearance. Smoke drifts through the exhibition as digital apparitions: ghost flags born from scanned textile fragments, dissolving like ruins after a fire.
What remains when symbols burn? What remains after glory, industry or empire have faded?
Between monument and ash, the work opens itself to renewal, where ascension continues in new and unexpected forms.
This presentation at Design Nation offers a first glimpse of ASCENDANT. The complete installation will be unveiled later in October during WONDER Festival in Kortrijk.
ASCENDANT is designed by Charbel Abou Zeidan, a Lebanese designer based in Kortrijk, whose practice operates at the intersection of fashion, architecture and visual arts.
Organised by
Charbel Abou Zeidan, Fedustria, Designregio Kortrijk, POM West-Vlaanderen and Design Nation.
With the collaboration of
BekaertDeslee, B&T Textilia, De Poortere Frères, Green Street Fabrics, Ragolle Rugs, Sofa Cover and AAROVA
www.charbelabouzeidan.com
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