The tapestry reflects the message of unity: we are all particles of the same consciousness. We all share the same source of life, the essence of existence, which in its manifestation resembles a bubbling cauldron, with forms that are reminiscent of certain elements of women’s cycles and new life. The cyclic nature was represented in the process of work and dyeing. The sun motif on the fabric was dyed for exactly 24 hours, with the light (day) and dark (night) periods together. The brown-orange trace is iron – the first dye used by civilizations in the Iron Age and one of the more durable dyes still today. The patterns in the lower part of the tapestry are embroidered with threads made from discarded fishing nets, emphasizing another important element of life – water, while also drawing attention to waste materials and their reuse. The embroideries are fragments, enlargements from the centrally positioned sun. The fragments represent shadows, traces left by each of the creators of Kolektiv Roka as individuals.
Photo: Maša Pirc / BIEN
Kolektiv Roka is a young collective formed in 2022, consisting of seven creative girls from Carinthia. Their participation at the BIEN Textile Art Biennial is their debut. The tapestry was created by Natalija Lesjak, Martina Ambrož, Alja Herlah and Romana Brina Gobec.
Brinas Studio is a natural dyeing and research space created by Romana Brina Gobec. She has been working with natural pigments for two years. Among other things, she also participated in the Design Dining project exhibited at Vienna Design Week.
