Woolgathering | Kustaa Saksi

Continuing his study of dream states, Finnish designer, Kustaa Saksi, brings us a new collection of woven tapestries titled, Woolgathering, now on display at Usagi Gallery in Hong Kong. Referring to the blurred lines between reality and fantasy when daydreaming, Woolgathering captures Saksi’s surreal and psychedelic musings on the subject. These one-of-a-kind textiles are produced by jacquard weaving techniques using mohair, merino and alpaca wool mixed with cotton, and a variety of synthetic materials such as rubber, phosphate, and metallic threads.

“Weaving patterns definitely has its limitations compared to printing, but it opens up a completely new world of possibilities, especially in detailing,” the Saksi says. “In my artworks, I’m using the Jacquard weaving technique for its magnificent control over detailing and colour and material combinations. I’m especially keen on using natural fibres like mohair, alpaca wool, cotton and linen, and contrasting them with synthetic, high-tech materials such as glow-in-the-dark phosphoric and metallic acrylic threads, and rubber. I produce my designs and artworks in small editions to keep them exclusive, at the highest-possible quality.”

Woolgathering | Kustaa Saksi

Woolgathering | Kustaa Saksi

Saksi uses daydreaming as a tool to escape from reality and to let his imagination run wild. His work often features abstract landscapes and optical distortions which channel a hypnotic state. Woolgathering acts as a continuation of his 2013 textile collection Hypnopompic which was inspired by the moments immediately preceding waking up.

Woolgathering 
usagi Hong Kong
March 26 2016 – April 17 2016

– Jessie Whipple Vickery

Woolgathering | Kustaa Saksi