Source: Abbaye Saint-André website
The exhibition “Au fil du lin et du chanvre” enables visitors to get lost in the fascinating world of hemp, as shown through the work of famous artist Joanna Staniszkis, and runs from September 4 to October 31, 2024. Staniszkis, who is well-known for her extensive knowledge of historical costumes and textile design, has shifted her focus to the rich, textured materials of hemp and linen, combining traditional methods with modern craftsmanship.
About Joanna Staniszkis
The Fine Arts Academy in Warsaw was Joanna Staniszkis’s first creative school. She later attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has been a professor in Canada for many years, and she has produced a lot of contributions, especially in the areas of historical costume design and textile design. Her active practice of creating tapestries, where she refined her talents in dealing with hand-spun materials, natural dyes, and creative processes, went concurrently to her academic career.
A dedication to permanence and a deep fascination with texture and material define Staniszkis’s work. Her artistry is inspired by the huge vocabulary of fabrics, where she finds both inspiration and knowledge. Her recent relocation to the Lubéron region has had an impact on her artistic process, causing her to concentrate on modern creations with translucent impressions on gauze and silk.
These pieces examine the changes that occur in the natural world, such as growth, the connecting of roots and branches, disintegration, and expertly constructed nests.
Hemp as an art
The current exhibition connects traditional Provençal craftsmanship with modern aesthetics by showcasing Staniszkis’s investigation of hemp and linen. She has expertise in a number of methods, including impression, dyeing, stamping, and pleating, all of which she does with a lightness and lightness. This exhibition honors the historical value of the material while showcasing its adaptability in producing stunning installations and clothing.
In “Au fil du lin et du chanvre,” Staniszkis creates a link between conventional weaving techniques and modern design. Her work is an unique and fascinating experience for both art and textile fans, paying homage to the traditional wisdom of Provençal fabric arts while infusing a modern sensibility.
For thousands of years, hemp—one of the earliest fibers used by humans—has been an essential component in textiles. Hemp, famous for its strength and environmental benefits, is useful for everything from paper and rope to clothes. Its unique aesthetic features and increased awareness of sustainable methods are what contribute to its comeback in the fields of art and design.