Tekstilkunst

Tekstilkunst, in many contexts simply textile art, refers to visual art that uses fibers and fabrics as its primary medium. It encompasses two-dimensional works such as tapestries, quilts, fabric paintings and banners, as well as three-dimensional forms including woven sculptures, felted pieces and installation works. Materials range from wool, cotton, silk and linen to synthetics, blends and recycled fabrics. Techniques include weaving, embroidery, tapestry-making, quilting, knitting, crochet, felting, dyeing and surface printing, often combined in mixed-media approaches.

Historically, textile art has deep roots across cultures, serving functional and symbolic roles in clothing, shelter and ritual. In medieval and early modern Europe, tapestries and embroideries were prestigious art forms. In the 20th century, textile art began to be recognized as a fine art discipline, notably with the Bauhaus integration of textile design and artists such as Anni Albers. After the 1960s, fiber art movements in various countries emphasized abstraction, sculpture and installation, with artists like Lenore Tawney, Faith Ringgold and Magdalena Abakanowicz expanding the field beyond traditional craft.

In contemporary practice, Tekstilkunst often intersects with sculpture, installation, performance and digital design. Museums and galleries curate dedicated textile collections and exhibitions, and artists explore topics such as identity, labor, sustainability and political commentary through fiber-based works. The field continues to evolve with new technologies, including digital weaving, reactive dyes and upcycling of textile waste.