Culture
Threads Of Change
Vanessa Barragaõ on weaving tradition and sustainability into captivating works of textile art
Vibrant and tactile, the textile art installations by Portuguese artist Vanessa Barragaõ have a universal appeal that’s virtually undebatable. But the true allure of her intricate creations comes from elsewhere: by weaving upcycled yarn – an unfortunately abundant waste product of today’s fashion industry – together with her love of the ocean and heartfelt respect towards local handcrafting traditions from her native Algarve, Barragaõ’s works reveal an even greater vision.
When approaching a new project, where do you start?
When I’m developing a new collection, the first thing I choose is the colours. My studio is immersed in yarns with many colours and different textures, which greatly inspire my creativity. The initial process always starts with selecting colours – and once I have chosen them, I begin with the actual making.
You studied fashion design at university and went on to work in textiles in Porto. How did your studies – and your industry insights – influence your choice of materials?
The path I took to arrive at my current work was incredibly important. Studying fashion design for five years made me realise many things I didn’t know before. The fast production and its processes, as well as the pollution caused by the industry, made me reconsider whether fashion was the right place to explore my creativity. By the end of my studies, I decided to focus on textiles and natural materials. This is where my journey into sustainability and ecology began.
Your connection to and respect for your family traditions and the natural world resonate throughout your work. How are they reflected in your creative process?
My childhood experiences have greatly shaped who I am as an artist today. Watching my family create things with their own hands throughout my childhood instilled in me a passion for craftsmanship, ancestral techniques and art. This passion was passed down to me by my grandparents and parents.
Nature has always been a significant source of inspiration as well. Family trips to places where we could observe coral reefs profoundly influenced my perspective of the world and how it inspires me. Witnessing the degradation of these reefs over time made me understand the importance of the message I convey through my work today. These experiences are embedded in my creative process, as I strive to honour traditional techniques, highlight the beauty of nature, and raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Your work is like a window that affords us as viewers a glimpse into an alluring landscape. What do you aim to convey?
Through my work, I aim to showcase the beauty of nature, especially the underwater world. I want to highlight the importance of preserving these incredible pillars of our planet. By drawing attention to their splendour, I hope to inspire a sense of responsibility and urgency to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.
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