Wallpaper Collective

Quick Overview

JILL MALEK WALLPAPER

Jill Maleks current wallpaper collection is fueled by an interest to create rhythm in a controlled setting. By emulating the recurring events we see in nature every day, frequencies captures the synchronized patterns of movement in flocking birds, the gained momentum of running horses, the growth patterns of vegetation and the cyclical activity of human and animal life. Within each pattern, there is a subtle shift in movement and scale that, when repeated, creates depth and fluidity. Aside from the placement of objects, the choice of colors chosen for the patterns is equally relevant. Elegant tone-on-tones, shimmering metallics, and soft neutrals all suggest the fleeting nature of an object traversing the earth.

INSPIRATION

My objective with frequencies was to create rhythm and motion. I set out to design repeat patterns that delivered a sense of energy and movement across a flat surface when several panels of the papers were brought together.

Fortunately, I did not have to search far for my initial source of inspiration. I live across the street from a man who interacts with hundreds of messenger pigeons that inhabit his rooftop. Everyday at dusk, the pigeons circle the rooftop continuously, guided by the waving arm of the man. My first pattern, Flux, was inspired by watching these birds and trying to capture the essence of their synchronized patterns of movement. This type of movement subsequently became the inspiration for the other six patterns in the line.

Stampede also illustrates fluctuating movements in a controlled setting. This pattern is a collision of forces that creates an unexpected serenity. Edward Muybridge became a big inspiration for me in the beginning stages of this design. I was intrigued with his ability to set still photographs in motion, specifically his pieces that capture running horses.

On a basic level, both Maidenhair and Sleeping Briar Rose illustrate the cyclical activity of vegetation and growth. But they also have a very romantic quality to them. Sleeping Briar Rose was inspired by the fairy tale story of Sleeping Beauty, where a prince needs to get through dense brushwood in order to save the princess. Referring to this classic tale, I became interested in the idea of creating layers of flowers and weeds that suggest the passage of time.