An installation at Design Miami transforms wood into patterns inspired by Kuba textiles.
The Installation
Stephen Burks Man Made collaborated with Italian material company Alpi to create The Lost Cloth Object, currently on display at Design Miami. The installation consists of four key components crafted from Alpi’s wood veneer, with patterns inspired by textiles from the ancient Kuba kingdom. Each piece evokes the movement and texture of fabric through precise wooden detailing.
Design Inspiration
Burks, working alongside Malika Leiper, drew inspiration from a trip to Kinshasa and the teachings of Kuba arts practitioners. Rather than replicating historical cloths, the project reinterprets Kuba aesthetics in new materials, merging cultural heritage with contemporary design. Alpi’s expertise in woodcraft allowed the material to take on a fluid, fabric-like presence.
Experiencing the Space
Described as a “ceremonial site,” the installation includes a rocking stool, a rocking ottoman and a curved partition on a shared platform. Burks emphasizes that the work is not a fixed product but an exploration of design and material practice. The piece also reflects a dialogue between African and Italian cultural movements, celebrating craft across continents. The Lost Cloth Object will remain on view until December 7, curated by Glenn Adamson.
