Sophie Rowley
Khadi Frays Jute nr. 08 (sold)

Sophie Rowley’s series ‘Khadi Frays’ are unique textile wall pieces inspired by the Khadi Spirit, an Indian concept referring to a state of illimitable patience. In this series, Sophie reverses the techniques of conventional handweaving: instead of building up the material thread by thread, her starting point is a solid block of multiple weaves. Each layer undergoes a carefully calculated destructive process, during which over 10,000 threads are patiently removed, leaving a frayed finish behind. This process creates multi-dimensional textures, gradually dwindling down towards the base layer. The differences in weight and tension of the warp and weft create subtle colour variations and reflections, which change based on the viewer’s perspective. Throughout this unique process, modest materials are transformed into intricate arrangements and elegant wall pieces: giving a modern twist to the ancient textile craft.
New Zealander Sophie is a textile designer based in Berlin, who works with recycled materials and innovative weaving methods. Her work has been widely exhibited in galleries and art centres, including Side Gallery, Barcelona, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge UK and Roche Court New Art Centre, UK.