Little Field of Flowers

In 1987, Nani Marquina set up her eponymous design company with a view to make modern rugs. The Barcelona-based company is interested in giving the rug new uses, new concepts and in playing with elements such as shape, colour and texture. Marquina was in town during Singapore Design Week and the inaugural Maison&Objet Asia, and held a workshop at Space Asia Hub for architects, designers and members of the media. We took her aside for a quick tête-à-tête.

Losanges

What projects are you busy with at the moment?

We are working with Doshi Levien. Nipa Doshi is from Bombay and the design we are doing will reflect her Indian heritage and work. She remembers how in her own house, they used to weave, as a tradition, with small mirrors and colour beads, and now she has based this new piece on this memory. It will have silver and gold threads.

Rangoli

Who is one person, real or fictional, that you would love to collaborate with?

Miró. I like the way he uses colour.

Do-Lo-Rez

What is one item in the workplace you can’t live without?

Sunlight.

Ghost

Tell us an interesting fact about the way you work.

The studio I work in was a textile manufacturing plant. It has a lot of antique windows. I painted everything white, so it becomes very clear. I like the light.

Global Warming

Describe nanimarquina in three words.

nanimarquina the company is innovative. It knows how to communicate its philosophy. It likes to make people happy.

Nani Marquina the person – I am passionate about what I do, in this case, my work. I try to enjoy what I do. I like to learn. I don’t like defects, I’m a perfectionist.

Natural – Noche

Working with the family is…

Good but difficult.

Chillida

What you want us to know about the creative scene in Spain?

Spain is a very creative country. We have many abstract artists, we have famous modern architects. Right now we are using creativity to differentiate ourselves from the [rest of the] world.

Flying Carpet

nanimarquina is carried in Singapore by Space Furniture.