Exploring the Rise of Tactile Art Forms: A Focus on Tapestries
In recent years, the art world has seen a resurgence in tactile art forms, particularly textiles and tapestries. “There’s a growing interest in more tactile art forms like tapestries right now,” says Christian Bense. He emphasizes that both modern and antique tapestries bring warmth and softness to interiors, seamlessly fitting into traditional and contemporary designs alike. In a world increasingly dominated by digital aesthetics, textile art provides an authentic and organic touch—qualities that many find appealing.
Rachel Chudley, another notable figure in the design realm, echoes this sentiment, noting that the current cultural climate—a blend of uncertainty and a longing for comfort—fuels the desire for cozy, textural elements in our living spaces. “The world feels rather cold and dark at the moment, and everyone wants warmth and cosiness—creative, textural works on their walls help achieve exactly that,” she states. This craving for tactile beauty elicits not just aesthetic appreciation but emotional resonance, creating spaces that feel inviting and nurturing.
One of the stellar examples of this trend is Bense’s collaboration with South African artist Francis VH, which produced two stunning mohair tapestries for an apartment at 60 Curzon. These pieces, measuring over two and a half meters, introduce a soft, warm ambiance to the open-plan living area. Bense acknowledges that the handcrafted tactility and abstract detailing of the tapestries beautifully complement the more sculptural furniture often found in contemporary spaces.
Exploring specific examples further highlights the personal connection that textiles can forge. Pelican House features a custom botanical tapestry in Amanda Brooks’s New York townhouse, while Christabel MacGreevy’s handmade wall quilt, crafted from her grandmother’s tablecloth, serves as a poignant reminder of familial ties. Such pieces not only enhance the visual quality of a room but also ground it with personal history and narratives.
When it comes to sourcing antique textiles, auctions are certainly rich veins of creativity and uniqueness. However, Chudley encourages a more local approach to finding these art pieces. Think about hanging a decorative rug or repurposing vintage fabric you may have stored away. “When hanging any artwork, intuition is key,” she advises. Her recommendation to avoid glass in framing techniques underscores the importance of tactile experience in appreciating textile work—allowing viewers to engage fully with the material’s texture.
For those looking to display tapestries in their homes, the options are wonderfully flexible. Tapestries can be hung directly on the wall or suspended from a metal pole, facilitating a relaxed aesthetic that complements the room’s overall vibe. “It depends on what the room calls for—and how relaxed you want the hanging to feel,” explains Chudley, emphasizing the personal nature of art placement within domestic spaces.
The Occasional Sofa
Pictalab Milano and Nicolò Castellini Baldissera’s Portaluppi Herbarium at Alcova in 2022.
Photo: Courtesy of Mattia Parodi