FLAX, A CLIMATE-SMART MATERIAL OF THE FUTURE, AND CULTURAL HERITAGE.

The exhibition shows how cultural heritage and tradition, can serve as a stepping stone for utilizing the climate-smart material flax in new contexts. 
Based on older techniques and knowledge, we aim to strengthen and promote modern, sustainable textile development through this good example.

Östergötland has a long tradition in the textile industries. Flax grows well on our latitudes, and the bright summer nights make the fibers attractively long, for those who want to spin flax. Hemslöjden i Östergötland has carried out a unique craft project, where professional, cultural creators have focused on flax as a material.

The entire process in this artist-in-residence project has been documented in pictures and text, as well as, the history of flax enthusiasts, who work to preserve the knowledge, of everything from cultivation to preparation. Designers and artists from all over Sweden have participated, and now their creations, photographs, and documentation, have been collected, in book form, and are exhibited at the Fiberspace Gallery.

Welcome to an exhibition and daily “Flax Talks” about the future material flax, at Fiberspace Gallery. The artists and designers Mirjam Hemström, Jennie Jakobsson, Riina Kauppi, Jenny Kristina Nilsson, Erik Torstensson, Louise Johansson Waite and Josefin Tingvall present their experimentally created works made with linen. There will also be a book launch of the unique “Flax Residence”, a creative meeting place in Östergötland between old cultural heritage and new artistic explorations of the material flax.

The exhibition will be opened by Rikard Åslund, head of culture, Region Östergötland and Lotta Ahlvar, chairman of Hemslöjden in Östergötland.

The Association of Crafts in Östergötland in Sweden, founded 1910, is a non-profit organisation, which highlights the value of creative crafts. By arranging exhibitions, workshops and lectures, they are a driving force in the development of handicraft. With deep knowledge on natural materials, reuse, circular design they contribute to a more sustainable society. Their vision is that handicrafts should have a natural place in the society.

ADDRESS: Fiberspace Gallery, Katarina Bangata 40

EVENTS
Tuesday May 23, 16.00 – 18.00, see PROGRAM
Wednesday May 24, 17.00 – 20.00, see PROGRAM
Thursday May 25, 16.00 – 18.00, see PROGRAM