Calendar
Draad. The absurd is everywhere
We cling to structure and efficiency, but at the same time we prefer to throw those rules overboard. We are guided by digital gadgets in our daily lives, but at the same time we are enthusiastic about products that excel in purity and craftsmanship. We plan our days down to the minute, while dreaming of slowing down. Doesn't this sound absurd? And what if the absurd is not a contradiction, but rather the playing field? What if it can surprise rather than alienate?
In the exhibition Draad. The absurd is everywhere, 33 artists play with the many contrasts of our time. They celebrate the versatility of textiles and push the boundaries of materials and techniques. Knitted film stills, textile memories in clay or patterns of pixels explore the possibilities of textiles as a medium and at the same time question the world we live in. The artists find beauty in waste and residual materials, protection and strength in fragile materials, and turn the everyday inside out into something delightfully absurd.
From almost 500 entries, the jury consisting of Sadrie Alves (visual artist), Suzanne Landrieu (artist and inspirer of art space 4n20 in Kortrijk) and Sofie Hermans (textile designer and lecturer at the Maasmechelen Academy of Fine Arts and Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts) selected 33 artists who push the boundaries of textiles and play with absurdity.
The exhibition features work by:
Iva Aga, Esther Alfvoet, Sonja Beloš, Fenna van Breda, Filip Cleynen, Amber De Saeger, Quinten De Wilde, Floor Anne De With, Iene Dekeyser, Stien Demeulenaere, Zahra Doghmani, Sophie Doutreligne, Anke Jongejan, Emese Kádár, Agata Kontra, Danaé Lankhorst, Marian Lesage, Myriam Lombaert, Shun-Ying Lu (aka ShunMade), Noa Mac Donald, Florence Marchand, Liesbeth Plettinckx, Loïs Pluymers, Helena Severens, Olga Suveizdyté-Claes, Catarina Teixeira, Fleur Triest, Sylvie Van de Walle, Lise Van den Broucke, Phaedra Van den Wyngaert, Lynn Van Huynegem, Werner Van Lierde, Juliette Volders.
The exhibition came about after an open call by Kunstwerkt and Texture. The project focuses on visual artists who are at the beginning of their artistic careers. Draad not only offers them a platform, but also solid support: inspiring training courses, meetings with fellow professionals and a programme that helps them to grow both artistically and professionally.
Thread is part of Memento Woordfestival.
Draad. The absurd is everywhere can be visited until 29 March 2026. You can also book a guided tour of the exhibition for extra insight and depth. Discover our public programme via the calendar: Dwaaldraad (permanent - family trail).
Experience Draad. The Absurd is Everywhere
