Textile Art

Textile art is one of the oldest art forms in the world. Dating back to prehistoric times, textiles initially served purely functional purposes like blankets and clothing. They were made out of materials that were available at the time such as vegetation and animal skins. During the neolithic period at the end of the Stone Agea, craftsmen began to use more advanced techniques such as felting and weaving threads together, and textiles as a result became increasingly complex. 

One of the earliest examples of what we now call textile art, in which purely functional textile is combined with aesthetic or fine art, dates to the 11th century. It is a piece of embroidered cloth called The Bayeux Tapestry, and it depicts the Norman Conquest of England. It was likely created by craftswomen, and its purpose was not to be used practically, but to visually tell the story of this historical event. 

While tapestries were popular in Medieval Europe, carpets (which are designed to be laid on the floor, not hung on a wall) were being created in different countries around the world. Islamic carpets feature complex symmetrical patterns in their design, and rather than being figurative, they represent the importance of balance and harmony on Earth and in the heavens. 

After the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, during which textiles began to be produced using machines, the British Arts & Crafts movement advocated a return to traditional modes of production. This placed emphasis on the importance of high quality, handmade textiles, and were inspired by Medieval styles or decoration. 

Textile art is still popular around the globe today, and many artists are experimenting with this traditional artistic genre in unique and innovative ways. With Artsper, find the best artists creating textile art today, including Maria Mueller Atelier and Leikun Nahusenay!