TEXTUS
This work is a draft for a project that could be grounded in the study of real people & their background, (scientific, sociological, psychological etc...) involving traditional craft techniques - embroidery, weaving. Following the concept, “TEXTUS”(the thread of the story) : writing their story to turn them into fictional characters. By extension, reimagining their future through mediums that align in the continuity of technological evolution (design programs, etc.), and perhaps one day, even through BIO-ART, transforming this abstract concept into a living artwork. The fictional character could become real once more, and "the loop is closed."
(Exhibition Open Studios May 2025)
The thread of the story
The inspiration for this conceptual work is the Latin word "Textus". I also thought relevant to use the tale of Sleeping beauty as it provides a good narrative framework to elaborate this artwork . The spindle is the tool of her inevitable fate. It turns the fibre into a thread, the thread of the story and life. A line with twist & turns or a line of a notebook on which we write a story. Also it is the tool of her inevitable fate. The metaphor of the thread of the story—spinning destiny and crafting identity—reflects the belief that life, language, and inheritance, shape who we are and the narrative we create. The Latin word Textus, meaning "woven," is the root of both "text" and "textile"—a linguistic connection that becomes a metaphor for understanding the complexity of human identity. Just as a fabric is woven with thread, a person is "woven" with genetic and social and cultural strands that create a pattern: the self, words are woven into narrative, stories. But can this pattern determine our fate? This raises the question of determinism: Were the natural & social circumstances available to Sleeping Beauty that inevitably led her to fulfil the prophecy? Could she have escaped her fate & how?
When the curves become loops; when the loops become cursive letters; colour threads become lines, alphabet to write...
Genetic code, like a weaving loom. This genetic material can be viewed as written language.
Detail of the "Loom". This intricate design represents unfolding section of chromosomes which in turn can also evoke the cursive lettering.
A selection of natural characteristics, fixed on a paper dress, highlighting the fact that it is a girl.
It is with this silver custom element that I created the genetic pattern of the loom, evoking the child practice of cursive letter "L". (L-sounds like "Elle", in French-"She").
The inherited genetic information is linked, intertwined little by little with social threads and their colour codes.
Through this process, the paper dress has become fabric, to bringing the character to life in a more tangible way. These threads are like veins through which our biological and emotional essence flows.
We are also shaped by our the social context education, language, environment... here these influences are represented by colours that shape further the personality and future.
The colours and intricate designs also serve as a reflection of cultural heritage, blending tradition with modern artistry.
From loops & thread, to written letters, a pattern becomes a narrative. The fabric becomes paper. The pattern becomes a narrative, a story that decipher the life, the natural & social context of the character. Each weave tells a unique story, holding the essence of identity and self-expression.
The stories we tell about ourselves are stitched from memory, imagination, and social influence. The paper acts as a loom, holding the the weft & the warp. To write is to weave- stitching & linking letters together, to create words, sentences, a pattern-a story.
In an attempt to answer the question: how could Sleeping Beauty could have changed her fate? Perhaps a pivotal change during her upbringing could have made all the difference where genetic could not. Neither the fairies nor her parents had considered a different approach & that Sleeping Beauty’s fate might have been avoided if, rather than hiding all the spindles, someone could have simply taught her how to safely use one. A single, empowering lesson might have rewritten her story entirely.
All the right reserved. All artworks and photos are the exclusive property of the artist Christine Garcia and retain all right. No part of any artworks, photos displayed may be copied, reproduced in any form or any mean neither download, distributed nor published on social media, websites without the written consent of the artist. Thank you.