Nazilya Nagimova

Felt maker | Münster, Germany

Eyes on a tradition of felt making

Nazilya is a felt artist from Tatarstan
She learnt her craft from her grandparents
Her work is inspired by nature, ancestry and identity

Nazilya Nagimova creates felt sculptures and installations inspired by the key themes of nature, ancestral spiritual beliefs and cultural identity. She learned felting as a child from her grandparents. After their passing, Nazilya spent 20 years without felting, a time during which she studied art in Kazan (Russia) and Münster (Germany), focusing on painting. She eventually returned to felting and is since embracing the traditional techniques of her familial and cultural heritage to create objects that weave together a rich and evolving tapestry of past and present, spirituality, and cultural identity. "With my work, I help preserve my Tatar heritage and traditions," she says. Nature and a respect for the environment are another important element of Nazilya’s approach, as she seeks to preserve age-old methods of crafting, making each piece a blend of art and cultural heritage.

Interview

©Nazilya Nagimova

What led to your interest in felting?: I learned felting in my childhood from my grandparents and relatives. Felting was a natural part of my family’s life in a small steppe village in Tatarstan. I am fascinated by the properties and the archaic simplicity of the felt manufacturing process, and use my installations to explore the material's possibilities.
What inspires your artistic vision?: My artistic vision is deeply influenced by my childhood experiences, the spiritual beliefs of my Tatar ancestors, and nature. I also find inspiration in the unique blend of animistic traditions and monotheistic religions.
How is your craft helping to preserve your heritage?: The preservation of my mother tongue which carries the essence of my people's history and identity plays a significant role in my creative process. The transformations in our lives further enrich my work, offering a rich tapestry of themes to explore and express. This intricate mix of past and present, spirituality and cultural identity forms the foundation of my art.
What materials do you use?: Nature plays a significant role in my creative process. I primarily work with sheep's wool, which I dye using mostly herbal dyes. These dyes not only enhance the natural beauty of the fibres but also reflect a deep connection to nature and traditional practices.

Nazilya Nagimova is a rising star: she began her career in 2017