Material

Beyond the horizon

Social power, material symbolism, and identity expression

The materials of Beyond the Horizon examine the deepening divides in the global economy and their impact on societal cohesion, reflecting a world where tradition and transformation coexist. The coated check embodies this tension, the classic pattern evokes stability and familiarity, yet its innovative finish challenges conventional use. Shifting societal norms are questioning and testing long-standing structures in order to change it while maintaining iconic elements of the past.

The brown leather speaks to durability and heritage, associated with timeless craftsmanship and the permanence of class structures. Materials like this take on new meaning, representing both the nostalgia for quality and the increasing rarity of enduring goods.

Corduroy, with its classic appearance and textured yet smooth surface, is also used in new ways. Its structured look speaks to tradition and reflects a broader desire to reconnect with what feels stable and enduring, even as it is reinterpreted for contemporary needs.

Banner image, Transbay Tower, Day for Night by artist Jim Campbell