TRAKATAN FOR ELENA SALMISTRARO

Medusa – Lonesome cowboy Nando, 2017

Hanging chair
Leather, iron, foam
On demand with signed certification
2017
Italy
Photo credit/ PEPE fotografia

At the intersection of art and craftsmanship, Trakatan collaborates with renowned designer Elena Salmistraro on the Medusa – Lonesome Cowboy Nando hanging chair, a striking piece that transcends traditional design. Drawing inspiration from the Turritopsis Nutricula, commonly known as the Immortal Jellyfish, this piece embodies a unique narrative. This extraordinary jellyfish has the remarkable ability to invert its own life cycle, reverting from adulthood back to childhood in a hypothetical cycle of perpetual regeneration.

The Immortal Jellyfish was discovered by a team of marine zoologists led by Ferdinando Boero, a prominent researcher dedicated to the promotion and preservation of marine ecosystems. Boero’s friendship with guitarist Frank Zappa also inspired the song Lonesome Cowboy Nando, a tribute that deepens the narrative layers of this hanging chair.

In this collaborative project, Elena Salmistraro marries zoological and mythological references, conceptualizing the hanging chair as a representation of the jellyfish itself. Here, Trakatan showcases its exceptional leather craftsmanship, utilizing its extensive know-how to approach the material in an innovative way. Rather than merely upholstering an existing structure, Trakatan transforms soft leather into the very essence of the Medusa, creating a piece that is both functional and a work of art.

This hanging chair exemplifies Trakatan’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional leather design, making it an integral part of contemporary art installations while emphasizing the beauty and versatility of the material. Each piece is meticulously crafted in Italy, reflecting Trakatan’s dedication to quality and artistry.