Mater is a design research project that explores the symbolic and physical dimensions of the female body, drawing on themes of femininity, religion, and sexuality. It takes the form of a collection of low seating furniture pieces designed for female spiritual rituals, functioning as prayer stools suitable for both private and sacred spaces. Each object features an anthropomorphic form, reflecting the curves, folds, and asymmetries of real women’s bodies—embracing visual “imperfections” as an essential part of its aesthetic identity. The soft, haptic surfaces are crafted using unconventional upholstery materials to invite tactile, intimate engagement. One of the seats is adorned with thorns, referencing the image of the Virgin Mary of Seven Sorrows, and symbolizing pain, sacrifice, and emotional endurance. Drawing inspiration from sacred iconography such as the Pietà, mater becomes a sensory and symbolic mediator of socially charged themes, offering space for reflection and quiet contemplation.
