The practice of crochet may seem like a rather docile, domestic activity. But nothing could be further from the truth, if one observes how some are using crochet to ‘yarnbomb‘ dull cityscapes, create unique lighting accessories, or even fix pesky potholes.
One could also use crochet to simultaneously animate indoor spaces and pay homage to social activists, as Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos has done in this enormous installation now up in Paris’ oldest department Le Bon Marché. Dubbed Branco Luz (“White as Light”) and “Simone” (in homage to French thinkers Simone de Beauvoir and Simone Weil) the work features an inflatable, sinuous form that is covered with crocheted textiles.
© Gabriel de la Chapelle