Isabel Berglund Dissolved into the fabric

Large hand-knit textile sculpture with large and small stitches and added lengths of waxed cotton string. Mounted on an interior frame of hand-bent metal. Colour range yellow, dark blue and chalk white. ‘Dissolved into the fabric’ focuses on the textures and form that result from decay, a reflection of lived life. Forms and colours dissolve, and new forms and surfaces arise in a continuous transformation from one state to another before
the object eventually dissolves and reverts to the natural form of the inherent material. Another theme is the contrast between the taut constructed form to the natural drape and weight of the material itself. The knitting is allowed to transition from a more controlled expression, achieved with a mix of large and small stitches, to a loose, unrestrained form spilling over the floor. Engaging in a dialogue with the forms and textures of the San Simpliciano Cloister, the colours are inspired by frescos, midnight mass and the open midnight sky. The waxed cotton string contains a subtle reference to the many candles burning in the church, and the form expression of the sculpture echoes the pillars and arches framing the cloister as well as the life that has unfolded here, with added references to bird wings and nun’s veils. Materials Waxed cotton string, metal Dimensions.