Weaving Together Histories

The act of weaving—interlacing warp and weft—has long been a way of both building and telling, forming surfaces that protect, adorn, and signify. 

Across cultures, woven objects hold histories of place, culture, and identity, anchoring people in place and carrying stories across generations. Rugs and textiles have shaped the character of homes and gathering spaces for millennia, stretching back from animal hides used in early dwellings to the intricate artistry of Persian rugs nearly 2,500 years ago. Beyond decoration and utility, these textiles are also a structural and expressive language. 

The artists in Rug Life draw on these traditions while reimagining how rugs can speak today. Nevin Aladağ, a Turkish artist who grew up in Germany, transforms fragments of carpets into sculptural assemblages that mirror the complexity of multicultural communities. Ali Cha’aban, a Lebanese artist based in Kuwait, silkscreens Western pop icons like Superman and Wonder Woman directly onto Persian rugs, creating a dialogue between global pop culture and regional traditions. Oksana Levhenya, based in Kyiv, Ukraine, works in the centuries-old kylym weaving tradition, merging folks ornament and ethnic patterns with figures such as Pac-Man and Cossacks, blending humor and history while underscoring preservation and ecological care. 

In this self-guided Open Studio activity, visitors are invited to weave on small hand looms, experimenting with warp and weft. Notice how each decision—color, pattern, and texture—leaves a trace in the fabric. As you weave, consider: How do subtle inconsistencies become aesthetic features? What stories emerge through texture, pattern, or color shifts? How might a simple woven textile reflect both personal reflection and cultural history?

Use the free, provided supplies to weave your own mini tapestry or bracelet. 

Step 1: Warp the loom 

Follow this video for instructions!

Step 2: Choose materials & weave

You can use cotton thread, wool roving, yarn, and even paper to create a small woven tapestry. Follow this link to view various tutorials and techniques to get you started.

Step 3: Remove your work from the loom

Feel free to leave your tapestry for others to enjoy, or take it home and display using a wooden dowel. 

Drop-in, Self-Guided Art Activity

Each month, WAM presents a self-guided art-making activity inspired by an art piece or artist from the museum's collection. Everything you need to make your own masterpiece is provided and the activity is designed to be accessible and open to all. Drop-in during open hours and get creative! 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Additional general operating support is generously provided by Ameriprise Financial and the Art and Martha Kaemmer Fund of HRK Foundation.

Image credit: (Top background) Oksana Levchenya, Pac Man and Cossacks, 2022, hemp thread and natural dyed wool, 80 x 140in. Image courtesy of the artist.