Cirrus
Cirrus is an iconic and monumental artwork, specifically designed and handwoven for the new Council Chamber of the Municipality of Tilburg.
With its organic, cloud-like shape and geometric lines, the work enters a dynamic dialogue with the architecture of the City Hall, which is based on the golden ratio.
Constructed from thousands of threads crossing in three directions, the artwork brings balance and comfort to the space and symbolizes the many converging ideas and streams of thought that interweave within the Council Chamber.
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The Relationship with Architecture and the City
The three axes of Cirrus’s woven structure resonate with the geometric oakwood interior of the Council Chamber. Where the architecture is based on a strict, mathematical proportion, the soft, cloud-like appearance of Cirrus introduces an organic element and a sense of calm.
Due to the openness of the structure, the artwork appears to merge with the space up close.
Simultaneously, Cirrus visually and emotionally brings the outside world in, establishing a connection with the city visible through the building’s glass façade.
Concept, Symbolism, and Innovative Technique
The complex weave of Cirrus appears as a whole from a distance, but up close, the individual threads become visible. They represent the entire city of Tilburg within the Council Chamber, as the threads symbolize the many individual thoughts, discussions, and ideas that converge and intertwine in the debates held in the chamber to form a consensus.
I applied my three-dimensional handweaving method to create Cirrus. The glass fibre is handwoven into shapes and then hand-coated with resin.
Due to its monumental size, the structure consists of 22 separate parts, which allowed it to pass through the door; it was then meticulously assembled into the final, large-scale form inside the Council Chamber itself.
Reception and Dynamic Qualities
The finished work has been described as both impressive and innovative. It functions as a large, luminous object that presents itself differently from every angle and perspective.
Notably, as viewers walk around the piece, the artwork seems to move and visually transform its shape, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
Specifications
Cirrus was specifically designed and realised in 2021, commissioned by the Municipality of Tilburg for the new Council Chamber and City Hall.
Commissioned by: Municipality of Tilburg
Location: New Council Chamber, Tilburg City Hall
Dimensions: L 650 cm x W 530 cm x H 120 cm
Materials: Glass fiber, Cotton Yarn, Resin
