Textile Art Exhibition: Soft Stone by Katarina Spacal (SLO) 01/02-18/03/24
Katarina Spacal was born in 1978 in Slovenia. Having inherited a traditional hand loom from her grandfather, she uses this to weave her creations, but her work defies easy categorisation. While most tapestries made on a loom would generally be flat and often merely decorative, Katarina’s, in contrast, are composed of several woven pieces which are then folded, gathered and sewn together, thereby creating soft, irregular shapes. And while some art critics may have described her work as ‘woven paintings’, in reality they are much more three-dimensional and sculptural than that would suggest, with surfaces rich with gentle folds, swirls and knots.
The use of colour within these textures is frequently rich, with shades alternately flowing into each other or contrasting dramatically,
allowing barely-defined images of sun, stones or stalks to emerge from the surface contours. And, in a reminder of the weaving process at the heart of her creations, the threads themselves — the basic elements of the pieces — remain clearly visible, either in the fabric itself or left hanging in tangled tufts.
Katerina Spacal, No Title, 2020
Subtile is presenting textile works from Katarina Spacal created over a span of more than two decades. They all seem to take their inspiration from the area where she was born — the Karst region — with its dry, limestone land whipped by the wind that blows out to the Adriatic Sea. Her formative years were spent either here or in the capital, Ljubljana, where her late father Jože Spacal — a prominent mosaic artist and scenographer — was her first art teacher. In Ljubljana she later studied textile and clothing design and, towards the end of her studies, began to explore the art of weaving.
Her latest series of works — ‘The Rebirth of Nature’ — with its lighter colours seeming to pierce through dominant darker shades, would seem to reflect the return of life to the nature in the Karst region following the recent devastating fires.
Textile art has gained popularity as a big trend for several reasons.
1. Creativity and Expression: Textile art allows artists to explore their creativity and showcase unique ideas through the medium of fabric and thread. With endless options for colors, textures, and techniques, textile art provides a versatile platform for artistic expression.
2. Handcrafted and Unique: In a world dominated by mass-produced objects, textile art stands out as a handcrafted and unique form of art. Each textile piece is infused with the artist’s personal touch, making it one-of-a-kind and distinct from commercially produced items.
3. Sustainability and Eco-Consciousness: As people become more aware of the impact of fast fashion and disposable consumer culture, there has been a shift towards more sustainable alternatives. Textile art allows for the repurposing and upcycling of fabrics, reducing waste and promoting a more eco-conscious mindset.
4. Connection to Tradition and Culture: Textile art has deep roots in various cultures and traditions around the world. By incorporating traditional techniques and motifs into contemporary designs, textile artists can honor their heritage while adding a modern twist, creating a sense of cultural appreciation and connection.
5. Textural and Sensory Appeal: Fabric adds a tactile and sensory element to art. Textile art pieces often incorporate different textures, weaves, and surface treatments, which create visually appealing and interactive artworks. The sense of touch plays a significant role in enhancing the overall experience and engagement with textile art.
6. Versatility and Functional Art: Textile art is not limited to traditional forms like paintings or sculptures. It can take various forms, such as tapestries, quilts, wearables, installations, and even three-dimensional sculptures. This versatility allows artists to explore different dimensions and blur the lines between art and functionality.
Overall the trend of textile art can be attributed to its ability to evoke emotions, connect with traditions, promote sustainability, and offer a unique and tactile experience that captivates a wide audience.
In addition to the works described above, some of the garments and fashion accessories that Katarina weaves will also be exhibited. In displaying a similar gentle play of textures and colours, these pieces would seem to perfectly complement her ‘woven paintings’.
This exhibition is under the patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Brussels
The Opening will take place on Thursday 1 February from 6 to 9pm with live music of the young and talented Slovenian Violinist Gaja Sušelj
The exhibition will take place from Thursday 1. February until 17 March 2024.
We look forward to welcoming you to the opening on 1. February, from 6 to 9 pm, in the presence of the artist.
