Yamuna Forzani & Céline Hurka

Symbols of Utopia – Magnolia  

‘Magnolia’ is a knitted wall object and forms the second part of the long-running project ‘Symbols of Utopia’. With this work, Yamuna Forzani and Céline Hurka build on the research they began in 2024 at the TextielLab. The artists once again worked with the circular knitting technique, in which typography and ornamentation play a central role. 

The wall object incorporates hidden typographic symbols referring to themes such as transformation and female and queer empowerment. These symbols were developed through archival research at the Huis van het Boek, the TextielMuseum and the Amsterdam Museum, amongst others. ‘Magnolia’ was inspired by a personal experience during a visit to the Louisiana Museum in Copenhagen, where a blooming magnolia tree prompted a series of new typographic forms. These ornaments are not only visible in the work itself but are also integrated into the specially designed frame. 

The work was presented at Enter Art Fair in Copenhagen from 28 to 31 August 2025.