Linum
Linum is the second artwork by Fransje Gimbrère commissioned by the Municipality of Tilburg, installed in the renovated city hall. It stands alone but also continues her ongoing research into 3D weaving, following her earlier piece Cirrus. While Cirrus was entirely handwoven, Linum marks a significant step forward by utilizing industrial weaving techniques in collaboration with the local TextielLab, allowing Gimbrère to explore how her graduation-developed 3D weaving method could be adapted to machine production.
Linum
The creation of Linum presented a major technical challenge: weaving a multi-layered, three-dimensional textile in one pass on an industrial loom. Over a concentrated three-day period, Gimbrère and weaving expert Stef Miero conducted extensive research into technique, materials, and color, resulting in three large panels woven simultaneously as cohesive, layered structures. The research continued beyond Linum, as Gimbrère developed a new project with the TextielLab for Tilburg University, which resulted in Physis.
The final work enhances its office environment through thoughtful use of color, transparency, and texture. The white and light blue tones, combined with subtle neon yellow accents, create a calming, dynamic presence that supports both focus and interaction. The panels not only align aesthetically with the space but also echo the design of Cirrus, creating a visual and conceptual link between both artworks within the new city hall.
