Catheline van den Branden: Weaving, Restoring, Healing

A practice, a hobby and an art form, weaving has a rich history that spans across different eras. Drawing inspiration from everyday life as well as mythology, multidisciplinary artist Catheline van den Branden creates stunning woven artworks. Her art is currently on display at the Aggeliki Chatzimichali Centre of Folk Art and Tradition, where she showcases over 20 unique pieces.

Van den Branden uses a wide range of techniques and materials in her art, including painting, threadwork, engraving, and even audio-visual media. She also explores various surfaces such as mylar (a type of polyester film), Japanese paper, and cotton paper. The French-American artist of Greek descent gets inspired both by myths, such as Ariadne's thread which Theseus used to find his way out of the labyrinth, as well as her own personal memories, such as the weaving of her beloved grandmother. 

As part of the exhibition, Catheline van den Branden uses liquid cement and gold enamel to repair damage on the pavement. This public-space intervention is inspired by the Japanese traditional practice of kintsugi, normally used in pottery to repair damaged artefacts.