The Lace, 2023
This textile artwork, created by Irini Gonou from antique silk lace, linen, cotton gauze, cotton string, silk threads, and reed, was featured in the exhibition Morus at the Silk Museum in Soufli, Greece, in December 2023. The exhibition draws inspiration from the mulberry tree, a symbol of Soufli's rich silk heritage, and explores the intersection of history and oral traditions surrounding silk production.
As part of the Morus project, which examines the artistic, social, historical, and ecological dimensions of silk, Gonou’s piece reflects the meticulous process of domestic sericulture—from thread creation to weaving. In dialogue with the Silk Museum's collections, it resonates with the region’s material culture, including its architecture and traditional attire, while also evoking the intangible cultural heritage woven into Soufli’s past. Through layered textures and organic materials, the work embodies the delicate yet enduring nature of silk craftsmanship, connecting past and present through textile artistry.
This textile artwork, created by Irini Gonou from antique silk lace, linen, cotton gauze, cotton string, silk threads, and reed, was featured in the exhibition Morus at the Silk Museum in Soufli, Greece, in December 2023. The exhibition draws inspiration from the mulberry tree, a symbol of Soufli's rich silk heritage, and explores the intersection of history and oral traditions surrounding silk production.
As part of the Morus project, which examines the artistic, social, historical, and ecological dimensions of silk, Gonou’s piece reflects the meticulous process of domestic sericulture—from thread creation to weaving. In dialogue with the Silk Museum's collections, it resonates with the region’s material culture, including its architecture and traditional attire, while also evoking the intangible cultural heritage woven into Soufli’s past. Through layered textures and organic materials, the work embodies the delicate yet enduring nature of silk craftsmanship, connecting past and present through textile artistry.
This textile artwork, created by Irini Gonou from antique silk lace, linen, cotton gauze, cotton string, silk threads, and reed, was featured in the exhibition Morus at the Silk Museum in Soufli, Greece, in December 2023. The exhibition draws inspiration from the mulberry tree, a symbol of Soufli's rich silk heritage, and explores the intersection of history and oral traditions surrounding silk production.
As part of the Morus project, which examines the artistic, social, historical, and ecological dimensions of silk, Gonou’s piece reflects the meticulous process of domestic sericulture—from thread creation to weaving. In dialogue with the Silk Museum's collections, it resonates with the region’s material culture, including its architecture and traditional attire, while also evoking the intangible cultural heritage woven into Soufli’s past. Through layered textures and organic materials, the work embodies the delicate yet enduring nature of silk craftsmanship, connecting past and present through textile artistry.
DIMENSIONS
45 cm x 50 cm
Antique silk lace, linen, cotton gauze, cotton string, silk threads, reed
AbOUT Irini gonou
Irini Gonou is a Greek visual artist known for her unique fusion of ancient traditions, symbolic language, and contemporary art. Her work explores the connections between text, textiles, and talismanic practices, drawing inspiration from various cultural heritages and mystical traditions. Using natural materials such as fabric, handmade paper and reed, she creates artworks that evoke a sense of history, spirituality, and protection. Gonou’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in storytelling, transforming ancient wisdom into modern visual narratives that bridge the past and present.
