Valentina Lobos

Embroiderer

The messages behind the knots and stitches

Valentina has a background in visual art and contemporary art practice
It was during the lockdown of 2020 that she shifted her practice towards embroidery
She researches embroidery's cultural and historical significance

Valentina Lobos is a Latin American artist from Santiago de Chile, based in Germany. Her master’s studies in Contemporary Art Practice in Edinburgh, Scotland sparked a profound passion for textile art, particularly ancient tapestries and embroideries and their dialogue with the textile techniques from the Andean South. During the first lockdown in 2020, unable to continue her installation work, and armed with needle and thread, Valentina began to embroider images of the things she missed most. Her work began to depict vibrant scenes of people gathering freely in nature and public spaces such as lawns or beaches. This period of isolation fostered in her a deep connection with the countless women who had practised this craft in the domestic sphere for centuries. Curious and inspired, Valentina delved into decrypting the coded language of embroidery, shared as a common tongue between women across cultures.

Where

Interview

How do you integrate tradition and innovation in your work?: Embroidery was simultaneously developed by indigenous people in the Andean South and by artisans in Europe, creating a cultural bridge through craftsmanship even before colonisation. In my work, the Bullion and French knots become human body parts to tell contemporary stories about love and community.
What are you exhibiting at Homo Faber 2024 in Venice?: I am showcasing two hand-embroidered decorative cushions featuring diverse representations of love and companionship. It is all about the freedom to exist and love in your own way. The cushions have interesting textures and are meant to be touched.
What do people often not know about your work?: Despite the purely artistic, sometimes even seemingly naive, nature of this art form, secret embroidery languages have developed in nearly every culture. Not only do symbols have different meanings, but even different stitches can convey distinct messages.
What is it like for you, as a conceptual artist, to delve so deeply into craftsmanship?: It has empowered my practice, liberating me from the limitations of resources and physical space. This newfound freedom has boosted my productivity and enabled me to develop a daily routine that accelerated my learning curve significantly. I enjoy learning about this craftsmanship heritage.

Valentina Lobos is a rising star: she began her career in 2020