himalayan tapestry
Created during an artist residency organized by Kalkman Gallery at The Happy House in Phaplu, Nepal, this unique tapestry bridges traditional Himalayan craftsmanship with fine art. Steegen translated his visual identity into a hand-woven textile object, crafted locally in the heart of the Himalayas by Beyul Carpets.
Balancing on the thin line between abstract forms and figurative suggestions, the tapestry features an intricate palette of 41 distinct colors. Hand-knotted from high-grade Tibetan sheep wool and natural Marigold silk, the tactile surface reimagines Steegen's bold shapes and color fields through age-old Tibetan weaving techniques, creating a subtle, glowing contrast between matte textures and shimmering silk highlights.
This collaboration celebrates a cross-cultural dialogue between contemporary visual art and centuries-old Nepalese artisan heritage. By honoring local craftsmanship while pushing spatial and graphic boundaries, the piece showcases how traditional textile art can be reimagined as a modern sculptural wall piece.
