Marianne Kemp – Release

Marianne Kemp

Release , 2024

Material and technique: horsehair, cotton, gold lurex, wood / weaving, knotting.

Mål:  35 x 70 x 8 cm.

Artist statement:

 My practice centers on weaving as both a structured and intuitive process. Working on a hand loom with yarn, horsehair, paper thread and other rough plant fibers, I explore tension, materiality, and embodied memory. Each thread carries strain; each intersection becomes an encounter between control and surrender.

In contrast to a culture of speed, weaving demands slowness, precision, and sustained attention. Meaning emerges only once the work is complete, when the material settles into its final form.

Horsehair is essential to my work for its resilience and vulnerability. It introduces a tactile and emotional charge that extends beyond technique. Through rhythm, density, and silence, my textiles communicate what resists language — making weaving a practice of listening as much as of making.

Artist bio:

 Marianne Kemp graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague in 1999, after which she was awarded a scholarship to pursue her Master’s at the prestigious Chelsea College of Art & Design in London. Following her studies, she chose to remain in London and began working from the renowned Cockpit Arts Studios in Central London. It was during this time that she rekindled her passion for weaving, particularly her unique use of horsehair.

In 2003, Marianne returned to the Netherlands, where she continued to explore her craft. Her collection of both designs and art pieces steadily grew, as did her collection of looms. Today, her studio houses four distinct looms, each with its own specific capabilities. The largest loom, with a weaving width of 140 cm, allows her to create intricate carpets, while the other looms are dedicated to project sampling and custom commissions.

Marianne’s work is deeply influenced by her travels. Her explorations across Europe, and to places such as Mexico, Japan, Africa, and Mongolia, have sparked a strong interest in traditional art and design, further enriching her artistic vocabulary. Through her work, Marianne continues to merge the past and present, creating contemporary pieces that reflect a deep understanding of material, technique, and cultural influences.