NFL Star Stefon Diggs Unveils 'If You Want Peace' Exhibition at Tuleste Factory, Blending Athletics and Avant-Garde Design in NYC.

As New York City thrums with the heightened energy of summer, drawing visitors from across the globe to its vibrant tapestry of history, modernity, and culture, a distinctive exhibition in the heart of the Meatpacking District invites a deliberate pause. Amidst the city’s characteristic hustle, speed, and sensory landscape, "If You Want Peace," currently on view at Tuleste Factory, presents an immersive experience designed to encourage contemplation and respite. This unique showcase features the inaugural furniture collection from SI VIS PACEM, co-founded by NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs and artist Lindsay Dawn, marking a significant foray by the prominent athlete into the realm of high-concept design and fine art.

Stefon Diggs Shares Imaginative Exhibition at Tuleste Factory

The Genesis of SI VIS PACEM and Its Miami Debut

The "If You Want Peace" exhibition is a culmination of a creative journey that began with the debut of SI VIS PACEM at Design Miami in December 2025. This initial presentation introduced the world to Diggs’ vision, a collection born from a desire to explore the interplay between personal sanctuary and dynamic environments. Design Miami, a premier global forum for design, provided an esteemed platform for SI VIS PACEM to establish its aesthetic and philosophical underpinnings. The collection immediately garnered attention for its unconventional approach, blending sculptural furniture with a distinct, immersive sensibility. This successful launch paved the way for the current New York City exhibition, offering a more expansive and detailed exploration of the brand’s core tenets. The partnership with Lindsay Dawn, an artist known for her surrealist paintings, has been integral to SI VIS PACEM’s identity, allowing for a multifaceted artistic dialogue that transcends traditional design boundaries.

Stefon Diggs: From Gridiron to Gallery

Stefon Diggs’ transition from a celebrated figure in professional football to a burgeoning force in the design world exemplifies a growing trend of athletes exploring creative and entrepreneurial ventures beyond their primary sport. Diggs, renowned for his strategic prowess and dynamic presence on the field, has channeled a different kind of energy into SI VIS PACEM. This pivot highlights a broader cultural shift where public figures are increasingly leveraging their platforms to pursue passions in diverse fields, challenging conventional perceptions of celebrity. For Diggs, this artistic endeavor is not merely a side project but a deeply personal exploration. "I find the greatest sense of peace in myself and in the spaces I create," Diggs stated regarding his motivation. "With this exhibition, I wanted to explore that feeling through an environment that feels a little more wild, inviting, playful, and deeply human, while still holding a sense of sanctuary." This statement underscores the profound connection between his personal philosophy and the tangible art and design pieces on display, suggesting a holistic approach to his creative output. His commitment to this project provides him with unparalleled creative freedom, allowing him to translate abstract concepts of peace and sanctuary into physical forms.

An Immersive Blue Canvas: The Exhibition’s Aesthetic

Upon entering "If You Want Peace" at Tuleste Factory, visitors are immediately enveloped in an environment dominated by a profound blue hue. This specific shade, described as almost perfectly resembling the sky on a summer afternoon, creates an expansive, ethereal backdrop for the exhibition. This immersive color choice is not merely decorative; it is a deliberate artistic decision that sets the tone for the entire experience, evoking a sense of calm, spaciousness, and introspection. The strategic use of color works in tandem with the exhibition’s layout to foster an "otherworldly dialogue," giving visitors the distinct illusion of floating in space. This carefully curated atmosphere encourages viewers to shed the external pressures of city life and engage with the art on a more profound, sensory level.

Sculptural Forms and Functional Art: The Collection’s Core

The SI VIS PACEM collection at Tuleste Factory masterfully blends organic curves, sophisticated spatial relationships, and a profound sense of scale to craft pieces that are both artistic statements and functional elements for a home. The overarching theme of "embodied comfort and security" is evident in each piece, which, while capable of standing alone as individual works of art, also contribute cohesively to the collection’s narrative.

Among the striking elements are the upholstered mirrors, which command a significant presence within the space. Their unconventional forms and soft textures subvert the traditional reflective object, creating an illusion of another dimension just beyond the wall. These pieces challenge perceptions of reality and space, inviting interaction and introspection. The sense of softness and playfulness extends throughout the collection, even to the unexpected reinterpretation of toy soldiers. These figures, reimagined on a scale large enough to feel subversive yet small enough to retain a whimsical charm, transition from nostalgic playthings into functional mini side tables. This transformation highlights the collection’s ability to infuse everyday objects with artistic intent and practical utility, bridging the gap between art and life.

Featured Tableaus: A Closer Look at Key Pieces

The exhibition presents several compelling tableaus, each meticulously arranged to showcase the interplay between different pieces and their contribution to the overall narrative of peace and sanctuary. One particularly captivating arrangement features "The Tree," "The Lenis Ashtray," "The Otium III In Cream," and "Good Luck."

The Tree: This modular sculpture is a central visual anchor, with its far-extending roots and full branches of leaves casting a distinctive dappled effect on the walls and floor. It serves as a symbolic representation of growth, nature, and rootedness, contributing to the exhibition’s organic aesthetic. The sculptural quality of The Tree evokes a sense of natural wonder, bringing an element of the outdoors into the gallery space.
The Lenis Ashtray: Designed in the style of a contemporary beverage or end table, The Lenis Ashtray thoughtfully integrates a cupholder separate from its main tray. This piece exemplifies the collection’s blend of functionality with elegant, minimalist design, offering practical utility without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Its clean lines and considered form align with the collection’s emphasis on comfort and ease.
The Otium III In Cream: Inspired by the serene contours of a lake, The Otium III retains a remarkable lightness through its cream exterior and organic shape. This piece embodies fluidity and tranquility, its gentle form inviting a sense of calm. The subtle homage to natural landscapes reinforces the theme of finding peace in one’s environment.
Good Luck: The ladybug-inspired "Good Luck" piece, with its distinctive red and black spotted pattern, introduces a vibrant and playful element into the tableau. Ladybugs are often symbols of good fortune and happiness, and this piece imbues the exhibition with a touch of lighthearted whimsy, demonstrating the collection’s breadth of emotional expression.

Further adding to the collection’s unique character are the reimagined toy soldiers. These sculptural green pieces, once mere figures of vintage gameplay, are transformed into engaging and functional side tables. Their dual nature—simultaneously nostalgic and utilitarian—speaks to the collection’s innovative spirit and its ability to elevate the mundane into the extraordinary. Other elements, such as the H-shaped modern stool with its soft, upholstered surface and the rectangular ottomans with shaggy, fur-like upholstery, further emphasize the collection’s focus on tactile comfort and inviting textures. The incorporation of a curved beige bench and a brown pouf in various settings adds to the sense of relaxed luxury and inviting design.

The Architectural Canvas: Tuleste Factory in the Meatpacking District

The choice of Tuleste Factory as the venue for "If You Want Peace" is significant. Located in New York City’s dynamic Meatpacking District, Tuleste Factory is a contemporary art and design space known for hosting innovative exhibitions that push creative boundaries. The district itself has undergone a dramatic transformation from its industrial roots into a vibrant hub for fashion, luxury retail, culinary excellence, and cutting-edge art. This evolution positions the Meatpacking District as an ideal location for an exhibition that bridges the worlds of high design, fine art, and celebrity culture. Tuleste Factory’s industrial-chic aesthetic and flexible exhibition spaces provide a fitting backdrop for SI VIS PACEM’s avant-garde pieces, allowing the distinct blue immersion to truly shine. The venue’s reputation for showcasing emerging and established talent aligns perfectly with the exhibition’s aim to present Diggs’ multifaceted creative vision to a discerning audience.

Broader Implications: A New Era for Cross-Disciplinary Creativity

The "If You Want Peace" exhibition signifies more than just a presentation of furniture and art; it represents a powerful statement about the evolving landscape of creativity and the blurring of lines between different professional spheres. Stefon Diggs’ successful transition into the design world underscores the increasing validation of cross-disciplinary endeavors. This trend encourages other public figures, regardless of their primary profession, to explore and express their artistic sensibilities, enriching the cultural dialogue and expanding the definitions of what it means to be an artist or a designer.

For the art and design industry, exhibitions like "If You Want Peace" inject fresh perspectives and attract new audiences. Diggs’ celebrity status undeniably draws attention, but the quality and conceptual depth of the SI VIS PACEM collection ensure that the exhibition stands on its own artistic merit. It challenges traditional notions of who can create and where art can originate, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic creative ecosystem. Furthermore, the exhibition’s focus on creating spaces of sanctuary and peace resonates deeply in a world grappling with increasing complexities and accelerated lifestyles. It offers a tangible manifestation of a universal human need for calm and introspection, translated through the thoughtful application of design principles and artistic expression.

The partnership between Stefon Diggs and Lindsay Dawn exemplifies the power of collaboration in pushing creative boundaries. Dawn’s surrealist paintings complement Diggs’ furniture pieces, creating a cohesive visual language that speaks to themes of dreams, perception, and the subconscious. This synergy elevates the exhibition beyond a mere display of objects, transforming it into a holistic artistic statement.

Conclusion: An Invitation to Sanctuary

"If You Want Peace" at Tuleste Factory stands as a compelling testament to the power of design to evoke emotion, challenge perception, and offer sanctuary. In a city defined by its relentless pace, Stefon Diggs and SI VIS PACEM, in collaboration with Lindsay Dawn, have crafted an immersive experience that invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and find a personal sense of peace. The exhibition’s masterful blend of organic forms, vibrant color, and functional artistry creates an environment that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. It solidifies Diggs’ position as a significant voice in contemporary design, further blurring the lines between sport, art, and creative innovation. For those seeking a respite from the urban clamor and an encounter with thoughtful, evocative design, the exhibition offers a unique and memorable destination.