Textilkunst

Textilkunst, or textile art, is a field of visual art in which textiles and fibers serve as the principal medium for creating form, color, and meaning. It encompasses traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, tapestry, quilting, knitting, crochet, and lace, as well as contemporary practices that extend textile materials and methods to include felting, dyeing, surface design, installation, and digitally printed fabrics. Works range from decorative textiles and tapestries to large-scale installations, wearable art, and conceptual pieces that address social, political, or environmental themes.

History and scope: The practice has deep historical roots in many cultures. Weaving and textile production date back to ancient times, and in Europe tapestries and woven fabrics played prominent roles in religious and courtly settings. The 20th century brought textile art into broader artistic discourse through movements such as the Bauhaus, where designers like Gunta Stölzl and Anni Albers advanced textile work as a fine art medium. In the postwar period, artists including Lenore Tawney and Sheila Hicks expanded the field toward abstraction, installation, and material exploration, while quilting and fiber arts contributed to evolving conversations about craft and art on a global scale.

Contemporary practice: Today, Textilkunst encompasses interdisciplinary practices, including conceptual textile works, environmentally conscious material choices, and digitally aided processes. Museums and galleries worldwide collect textile art, and fiber-focused programs exist in art schools and universities, reflecting the medium’s ongoing relevance in both artistic and cultural contexts.