Maria Lisogorskaya and Louis Schulz are two of the co-founders of Assemble, a multi-disciplinary collective based in London, working across architecture, design and art. They have delivered a diverse and award-winning body of work that spans research, construction, business planning, architectural and furniture design, ceramics and textiles.
Material Institute is a new alternative space for design and manufacture of garments, textiles and fashion, with a focus on learning through hands-on experimentation. Assemble have been invited by MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) to design the project. The space is founded on a belief in the value of free high quality education for all; and the learning environment as a community and place for expression.
Material Institute students: Bilal Hankins, Brandon Hayward, Chelsea Louvierre, Cherise Lockett, Christopher Maya, Cody Gallegos, Compton III, Daquine Hebert, David Neco, Didi Robbins, Ian Jones, Jalisa Riels, Face Faulkner, Logan Jackson, Sarah Hernandez, Tahj Pierre, Angel Walker, and Tysean Riles
Big Chief Demond Melancon is a multidisciplinary contemporary artist and performer with extensive roots in contemporary African diaspora art. Demond is a founding teacher at Material Institute. With a career spanning almost three decades, Melancon is well-known for his meticulous hand-sewn beadwork used to create massive Mardi Gras Indian suits which are composed of intricately beaded patches depicting actual and imagined events from African and American history.
Duval Timothy is a multidisciplinary artist who lives and works between London, UK and Freetown, Sierra Leone. His work focuses on colour and identity via music, textiles, painting, food and photography.
