Words by Lula Criado
My first exposure to Alexandra’s work was at Dries Van Noten Spring 2015 RTW Fashion Show. Based in Argentina and with an intense cultural heritage Alexandra Kehayoglou is a visual artist who looks back into her roots and crafts large grassland rugs as her predecessors did.
Inspired by her Greek ancestors and native landscapes Alexandra weaves stunning ‘pastizales’ (pasturelands of Argentina) which are much more than a carpet. By growing her grasslands on chairs or stools Alexandra transforms everyday objects into beautiful art installations.
Craftsmanship, textile media, Argentinian landscapes, environment or nature are some of the words that define and describe the central axis of her thought-provoking creative universe in which, sustainability —Alexandra uses raw materials and leftovers from the factory owned by her family— and art, are in perfect harmony to promote reflection in society about the fragility and vulnerability of the natural world.
What is more important: to take or not to take yourself too seriously in order to be creative?
Both in balanced way.
What’s your favourite time of the day?
That moment between the day and the night when everything stops/stands still.
Solitude or loneliness, how do you spend your time alone?
I cherish my time alone, I have a kid. When I do, I like to sit at night in my garden, with my sketch books, in silence, embracing solitude, I find it as an inspiring moment.
Have you found beauty in unexpected places/situations?
I have found beautiful bare spots in the lawn which I register a lot.
What do you want to achieve before you die?
To get rid of uncomfortable situations and thoughts.
One for the road… What are you unafraid of?
Darkness.
