Microweaving Workshop: The spider as a weaver

Inspired by the presentation of Louise Bourgeois’s Maman at the Esplanade of the Cultural Center, a series of adult microweaving workshops is launched in July.

The iconic statue by Bourgeois, the portrayal of the spider, as well as the ambiguous symbols that may be identified in the work of the French sculptor, will serve as starting points for the workshops.

Participants will attempt a weaving approach to the spider archetype, but also come up with their own symbols, which they will translate into the weaving language by way of repetition.

Repetition is a very important practice, capable of gestating creation. As such it was embraced by Bourgeois, who used to revisit familiar patterns from time to time. Patterns constitute the fundamental vocabulary for all woven works, as can also be identified in the works of anonymous folk artists who have always used them as a means of communication.

In the context of the workshops, participants will develop various techniques and skills, using miscellaneous materials.

Session #1: The spider archetype

Yarn Weaving

In the first workshop, we will approach the concept of weaving and textile by way of the spider as a weaver’s archetype. We will observe the spider symbol in Bourgeois’s work and attempt to create a woven work with patterns and yarn.

Session #2: Physical repetition in sewing and weaving

Yarn Weaving

Louise Bourgeois managed her emotions through the creative use of her hands and the physical repetition of sewing and weaving. In the second session, we will talk about the physical repetition of weaving and employ yarn weaving techniques. We will design our own repetitive patterns, drawing inspiration from Maman.

Session #3: Free Weaving

Weaving with disparate materials

In the third session, we will see some non-weaving practices using disparate materials and yarns through a freer approach to weaving, in order to focus on the primary concept of the nest.

Session #4: Identity in Weaving

Woven works with yarn and natural materials

In the fourth session, we will talk about how a work is determined by its material. We will use some more rigid materials, such as wicker and tree branches, and will approach various weaving forms of expression.

Design – Implementation: Maro Fasouli, visual artist, Artworks Fellow
Workshop support: Konstantinos Koinos, student in visual arts

Tuesday 5 & 19/7, 18.30-21.30

Monday 1/8, 18.30-21.30

Tuesday 13/9, 18.30-21.30

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

Up to 20 participants
Free entry via online pre-registration

For the activity on  05/07, pre-registration starts on Monday 27/06 at 12.00
For the activity on  19/07, pre-registration starts on Monday 11/07 at 12.00
For the activity on  01/08, pre-registration starts on Wednesday 27/07 at 12.00
For the activity on 13/09, pre-registration starts on Monday 05/09 at 12.00

 Due to public health measures, there may be changes regarding either the staging of the event, or the maximum number of participants.