INTERWOVEN

Product development and value addition initiatives between art and craft lie in the heart of BELLHAUS’s vision. Destined to break new ground and create an ode to Namibian craftmanship and the age-old Karakul carpet weaving trade, the collaboration between BELLHAUS Atelier & Galerie and Karakulia Weavers was meant to be. 

Karakulia Weavers situated in Swakopmund is a Namibian weavery with world-class craftsmanship whose operations run like clockwork. Every single part of the process is done by hand. The weavers can produce absolutely any design they are presented with. This paired with magnificent, vastly different creative expressions by Marcii Magson, Michael Chandler, E-Tunga Studios and Tina Basson results in an intriguing and unexpected display that ranges from abstract to a modern take on traditional Oshiwambo handcraft design to pastel proportions and even an enourmous serpent! What makes this project particularly interesting is the fact that none of the artists - all well established in their various mediums - have produced designs for weaving before.

“We want to identify crafters with exceptional skill who are constrained to break into the current requirements of the market and support them with contemporary design and product development that will appeal to a wider, international audience. At the same time, we would like to give artists the opportunity to explore different mediums from what they are used to and further discover their own potential”, Andrea Behnsen Co-Founder of Bellhaus explains.