The Woven Child

‘I have always had a fascination with the magic power of the needle. The needle is used to repair the damage. It's a claim to forgiveness.’

Louise Bourgeois' endless fascination with the psyche and emotional life led her to experiment with materials ceaselessly throughout her lifetime's work.

Fabric, cloth, sewing, stuffing were all utilised for their emotionally provoking and visceral qualities, evoking childhood, trauma, the body, desire and guilt. Cloth and stitching has a long history related closely to the body, and to women in particular.

The exhibition showed the experimental breadth of Bourgeois' practise, the range of sculpture, tapestry, drawing, painting and assemblage that she was so skilled in, and the psychological depths that she was able to invest in her objects. 

The piece below struck us in particular for its tactile effect, bringing to mind our Terry Towel styles such as Jackie, Geek and Loopy bag. 

Jackie Blue Towel from the archive

Louise Bourgeois' family owned a gallery dealing in antique tapestries, which no doubt contributed to her art making and understanding of textiles. 

The exhibition runs until May 15th at the Hayward Gallery London. 

IBooking is essential