Eliurpi

SCULPTURE COLUMN IV TEXTILE BLACK SPANISH CONTEMPORARY ARTIST ELIURPI ABSTRACT

2024

Elisabet Urpí Ràfols and Nacho Umpiérrez Fripp, collectively known as ELIURPI, are the creative duo behind our brand. Based in Barcelona, we specialize in shaping unique pieces through a fusion of culture, architecture, and contemporary art. Founded 14 years ago, ELIURPI originally gained recognition for our sculptural hats. Over time, our artistic scope has broadened to encompass sculptures and art-design pieces. Recently, we showcased our latest creations at the Milan Fair, including an individual exhibition at Palazzo Litta titled "Shadows and Poems," inspired by Junichiro Tanizaki’s "In Praise of Shadows," which extols chiaroscuro as the pinnacle of beauty. Raffia served as the central material uniting all exhibited pieces, creating a harmonious narrative throughout the exhibition space. Our professional and personal lives intertwine, enriching our distinctive artistic language that blends cultural traditions with contemporary aesthetics. We draw inspiration from the interplay of light and shadow, while craftsmanship, creativity, and integrity guide our use of natural materials such as wood, straw, raffia, linen, and silk. Notable milestones include our ongoing exhibitions during ARCO week in Madrid, as well as appearances in international art galleries and craft biennials. In 2023, our work "Sculptural Head Object" earned an honorable mention at the Cheongju Biennale of Contemporary Arts and Crafts in South Korea.