Lionel Ziprin was a poet prey to visions, a philosopher, and a Jewish mystic with a deep understanding of the Kabbalah. When it came time to find a creative partner for his fledging QOR Corporation, he turned to Harry Smith, who had a mystical background of his own. Their intentions focused on sparking radical societal transformation through use of designs with mystic origins.

This design celebrates the universality of four parts. The four corners echo the four cardinal alchemical elements: earth, water, air, fire, as well as the four cardinal directions. Touching on alchemical systems, Art Nouveau motifs, Ancient Greek design and references to the Mandala form, this cross-section of culture is meant to be cosmically transformative for the wearer.

QOR Corporation, 2015.

RADICAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH MAGIC
Mystical Textiles by the QOR Corporation and Carol Bove

Carol Bove first encountered the mystical designs of Harry Smith and Lionel Ziprin's QOR Corporation in 2010 through Ziprin's daughter Zia. Bove was so taken by the works that she moved them into her studio and began a years-long project to bring, through personal and collaborative efforts, the long-abandoned design enterprise to fruition. Before her involvement, the designs had been kept in a hidden cultural archive for nearly 50 years.

The resulting collection of textiles is emblazoned with patterns and symbols that keep in line with Smith and Ziprin's mystic backgrounds. Bove has extended their lifelong goals of marrying art and magic and bringing imagery of unseen realms into our waking world.

The collection contains six limited edition scarves packaged in boxes that have been signed and numbered by Carol Bove; two handkerchiefs packaged in specially designed sleeves. Produced in cotton, silk, and silk blends by M. PATMOS exclusively for the Whitney Shop.

Marcia Patmos, of M.PATMOS, states that the collection is, "the culmination of a project that reaches beyond the boundaries of time and place and celebrates the fusion of the abstract and the concrete."

Special thanks to Maccarone and the Lionel Ziprin Archive, ©Lionel Ziprin.

Carol Bove lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Her work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions at prominent institutions around the world. She is represented in several permanent collections internationally including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Fonds Régional d'Art Contemporain (FRAC) Nord-Pas de Calais, Dunkerque, France; and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York."

Gifts