LIT wing hung
Artist in Residence 2025 - Cortex Frontal
Arraiolos, Portugal
I participated in a textile-focused artist residency in Arraiolos, Portugal, as an artist duo with MamaLIT. We explored traditional embroidery and weaving techniques inspired by Arraiolos’ famous hand-embroidered rugs, deepening our skills and connecting with the local artisan culture. The residency provided us with studio space, workshops, and a supportive creative community in this historic Alentejo town.
During the residency, I engaged in intensive studio practice, continuously working on my “Reflective —Storage of Air” project. MamaLIT and I focused on exploring and solving technical challenges together, dedicating our time to experimenting with materials and discussing ways to capture and store air within the space. Our concentration was solely on the art—measuring, testing, and exchanging ideas to push the project forward.
Arraiolos Rugs: A Decorative Evolution
Arraiolos rugs, originating in Portugal in the 17th century, are famous for their rich decorative evolution and cultural significance. Their earliest designs were inspired by oriental carpets from Turkey, Persia, and India, blending Eastern motifs with local creativity. Over time, the rugs transitioned from these oriental influences to more locally inspired, popular art, especially from the mid-18th to late 19th century, when rug-makers embraced creative freedom and produced highly diverse, original designs.
By the late 19th century, Arraiolos rug-making declined, but a revival movement led by artists and collectors brought renewed interest and production. This resurgence mixed old and new styles, continuing the tradition of innovation. Today, Arraiolos rugs are celebrated as a unique blend of elite and popular art, reflecting both Portugal’s decorative arts heritage and the creativity of generations of artisans.
Arraiolos Stitch - Technically known as the Oblique Cross Stitch. A variation of the Cross Stitch that has existed on the Iberian Peninsula since the twelfth century, or even earlier, it was previously known as a Plaited Slav Stitch having been adopted in the past by Slavic peoples.
Employed as the predominant embroidery technique in Arraiolos Rugs, it came to be known as the Arraiolos Stitch.
In conventional Arraiolos Rugs, the Arraiolos Stitch is used in the three traditional phases of embroidery: setting up, colouring and filing.
In Arraiolos Rugs where the Stem Stitch is employed, the Arraiolos Stitch is used only during the colouring and filling phases.
Stem Stitch - In the 17th century, many Arraiolos Rugs were made on linen or linen tow, using the Stem Stitch technique to set up the outlines of the composition's decorative motifs. This technique was extinct until the last quarter of the 20th century when it gradually came back into use.
