Textile artist and designer Alexandra Kehayoglou creates awesome works of art that explore the natural landscapes of her native country, Argentina. For her hand-tufted rugs creations, the artist chooses places often tied to political controversies, such as the Santa Cruz River, or areas that were dramatically altered due to human’s ruthless activity, such as the Raggio creek. Kehayoglou tried to recreate what she remembers from those places and uses her art as a call for environmental awareness.
“Santa Cruz River” (2016-2017), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool, 980 x 420 cm, Courtesy of The National Gallery of Victoria.
Each piece of art is made with materials from her family’s factory, which has manufactured carpets for more than six decades. The artist often displays her creations against the wall, with a section of the work trailing along the floor so visitors can touch, walk or lay on the rugs.
Last year, in December, her piece Santa Cruz River was included in the National Gallery of Victoria Triennial in Melbourne. The installation showcased her research about the damaged that is being caused in the river and also her own interpretation of the harm that will continue to affect the surrounding area. Since this project, the textile artist had some new works in her sleeve, and a new tapestry that explores the tribes of Patagonia was displayed in the group exhibition Dream at the Chiostro del Bramante in Rome.
“Santa Cruz River” detail (2016-2017), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool, 980 x 420 cm
“Santa Cruz River” detail (2016-2017), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool, 980 x 420 cm
“Hope the voyage is a long one” (2016), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool
Find more about: Sculptural Art & The Use Of Textiles Tammy Kanat
“Hope the voyage is a long one” (2016), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool
“No Longer Creek” (2016), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool, 820 x 460 cm, Presented at Design Miami/ Basel, 2016 | Basel, Switzerland. Commissioned by Artsy. Courtesy of Artsy & The National Gallery of Victoria.
“Santa Cruz River II” (2017), Textile tapestry (hand tuft system), wool, 205 x 150 cm
See also: Zeitguised Dynamic Contemporary Art