Vessel of Love

'The Vessel of Love' is an intimate, cocoon-like shelter imagined together with Shaly López - forming the centrepiece of ‘Love Is a Verb’ Festival in HAU 1.

In developing the spatial concept, textile artist Diane Esnault and scenographer and lighting designer Shaly López were inspired by conversation pits – seating integrated into a recessed section of the floor that was championed as a special architectural feature in large living spaces, especially in the 1960s and 70s. In the centre of the room, seating islands covered with quilted textiles and lined with foam break through the frontality of the stage to bring discussions, readings, and lectures to a communal level of exchange. Gentle words of love are sewn into the textiles, while organic designs in pastel and calming tones express an ode to tenderness. Mountain-shaped, puffy seat backs are lined up around the seating islands: an archipelago in which each island welcomes you to share the space, engage in conversation, and linger together.

Vessel of Love, Love is a Verb Festival, Hebbel Am Ufer, April 2024

Space concept: Diane Esnault, Shaly López

Scenography: Shaly López

Textile design: Diane Esnault

Textile design assistance: Shira Karmi, Yul Suh

Light design: Shaly López

Object production: Tom Herman, Space & Brand Studio

Textile works HAU1 stage: Sophie Utikal

Photos: Dorothea Tuch