Jan Hendrix's tapestry series travels to Europe

Following Jan Hendrix's exhibition at the Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporaneo (MUAC) in Mexico City, the artist's Yagul tapestry series is now on show as part of an overview of his work at the Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, an exhibition titled Tierra Firme (26th November 2019 – 26th April 2020).

These vast graphic images were drawn by Hendrix before being converted in Factum Arte's digital tapestry studio into files suitable for weaving. Factum Arte was involved in all the steps of the process, from the creation of high-resolution digital files and tonal adjustments based on the original drawings provided by the artist, to artistic advice on the fibre composition and weave structure that give the tapestry its character. 

Threads were chosen, colours adjusted, and weaving techniques decided on before the files could be sent to Flanders Tapestries, where they were woven on electronic Jacquard looms. In the case of the Yagul tapestries, different types of thread – some silk, some wool – were used for the different colours, and a new weave was developed especially for the series.

Jan Hendrix has been working with Factum Arte since 2006, when he started using laser-cut steel and water-cut aluminium to create large-scale immersive artworks. As monumental as his installation pieces, the subtle weave of these tapestries transforms the represented landscapes yet again, inviting new encounters with these complex rock formations and tree canopies.