Katjia Beckman Ojala

Artist statement

I am inspired by the sublime qualities of nature that come when things are formed over a very long time. I draw inspiration from the collision and confluence of forms in nature, such as rock formations, moss, and deep-sea landscapes.

Coming from the classic school of weaving, I’m interested in challenging and broadening the spectrum of weaving, and I innovatively insert this process through alien materials together with classical yarns to create textile sculptures.

The human body is a part of the work, as the size and the perception of the viewer's own body is called into play, it is not just visual, but a tactile experience for the whole self.

My work is subtle, despite their strong colors; they do not scream for attention. They are not in a rush, because they have their time, and patiently they wait to be gazed upon. They wait for someone to go in and explore the different surfaces, to allow themselves to get lost. They speak, but without sound, their language is silence; a language only the one who takes the time to listen can understand.

Education

2016-14 MFA / CRAFT! Textile art / Konstfack / Stockholm
2013 10.13-12.13 Kasuri Course I-IV / Kawashima textile school / Kyoto
2013-11 Advanced diploma / Advanced Textile Handicraft / Handarbetets vänner / Stockholm
2011-10 Foundation diploma / Textile Handicraft / Handarbetets vänner / Stockholm
2010-09 Textile art / Nyckelviksskolan / Stockholm
2009 Certification / Colour theory / Fashion sketching / The Swedish School of Textiles / Borås

Selected Exhibitions

2022/23 1.12-2023.01.07 Skaraborg Contemporary (G) Lidköpings konsthall / 2022 22.09-24.09 IndigoMadder (G) / Svenska Vävakademin / Vävmässan / Halmstad / 23.04-30.04 Rum för livet (S) / Adolf Fredriks Kyrka / Kulturnatten / Stockholm/ 04.02-10.04 Vårsalongen (G) / Liljevalchs konsthall / Stockholm

2021
11.21-12.21 Flogging a Dead Horse (G) / HenProjects / Stockholm 10.21-12.21 Cordis prize of Tapestries (G) / International art prize / Inverleith House Gallery / Edingburgh 10.21-01.22 Katja Beckman (S) / Boon Room / Paris 10.21-11.21 Death & Animals (G) / Odem Atelier / Stockholm 06.21-08.21 Little Black Dog (S) / Galleri Tinnert / Torslunda 03.21-04.21 FLUX (G) / Odem Atelier & Sotheby’s / Stockholm

2020
09.20-11.20 Longing for places, (G) / Cream Collective / Stockholm 04.20-09.20 Skaraborgssalongen (G) / Skövde kulturhus / Skövde

2019
11.19-03.20 UNG SVENSK FORM (G) / Ung Svensk Form Special Edition / Dunkers Kulturhus / Helsingborg

2018
12.18-12.19 Emerging Talents (G) / HV gallery / Stockholm 09.18-11.18 One-On-One. On Skills (G) / Contemporary Art Museum Of Estonia / Tallin 03.18-05.18 Art Meets Fashion (G) / Fashion collection / YoungArt in collaboration with Lindex

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More of the artist’s work may be found on her website, and her IG account, and she may be contacted for professional purposes at Katja.Beckman@gmail.com

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The Pasticheur presents the work of Katja Beckman Ojala as a challenge for the viewers, as they will need to imagine the textures of the sculptures built not in stone, but in textile materials. These textures, and unique shapes sculpted by multiple weavings, cannot be sensed through film, yet the sense of vision, as much as the sense of touch, and all senses, are heavily conditioned and shaped by language and culture. Thus, we hope, the audience’s readings of these photographs, will still be as valid as those that can appreciate Katja’s work in person.

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