Charles Pétillon for Sunbrella
A striking installation and photography project for Sunbrella shows the continued significance of high-performance textiles.
Comprising 10 linked over-sized balloons covered in Sunbrella’s newest fabrics, Connexions by Charles Pétillon is a striking artistic intervention for the global performance textile brand. A French artist and photographer, Pétillon’s idea is based on how materials still mediate our relation between reality and virtuality, art and industry.
The 4.2-metre-high work was installed at the Super Design Show in Zona Tortona during Milan Design Week. Placed in a black cube, the molecule-like structure was lit to create an imposing presence. A series of original photographs showing the project in poetic indoor and outdoor contexts adorned the walls, along with a behind-the-scenes video. An accompanying website allowed anyone using a smartphone or computer to place the installation virtually, whereby an image was generated using Google Street View.
For over 50 years, Sunbrella has been renowned for integrating performance and design to create versatile textiles for both indoor and outdoor use. Applications range from marine activities and yachting, to creative upholstery for home furnishing.
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