The 5th edition of XTANT Roots just finished in Palma de Mallorca. With this edition, the heritage textile event consolidates its position as an important destination for designers, architects and enthusiasts from around the world. Renowned visitors included Ilse Crawford, Li Edelkoort and Suzanne Sugg from the Folk Art Market, amongst many others. XTANT´s mission is to elevate crafts to the level of art, to promote the collecting of heritage textiles and to create a community based on sharing, learning, supporting and uplifting artists.
XTANT´s gallery market took place in Palau Can Vivot, the last residential palace in Palma with heritage remnants from the XII and XV centuries. Carlos Fontales and Pep Toni Ferrer created site specific installations relating to the ‘Roots’ theme.
Eighty artists and artisans from thirty-two countries presented their work at the event. These included nuno silk by Laurine Malengreau, vintage linen from Galicia represented by AO Domini, Uzbeki ikats, a handmade fabric shop and the presence of well-established designers such as Raasleela, Jaardin Azul, Lordagsondag, A New Cross, and Ka-sha, among many others. Celebrity Mexican artisan Remigio Mestas brought museum pieces using the three sacred colours of Mexico, murex, Indigo and cochineal, while Zulema Gutierrez brought a collection of vicuña pieces from Argentina and award-winning Kutch weaver Shamji Vankar Vishram Valji debuted as an artist with pieces created specially around the theme of roots.
XTANT is about the past becoming present, about looking back to move forward, about valuing our heritage and everything that makes us human. As pointed out by their founders Kavita Parmar and Marcella Echavarría: ‘roots are the common threads that unite us and society needs to feel connected now more than ever.’
