Eva Olanders sews and weaves pictures – focusing mainly on facial expressions reflecting an emotional experience. In this exhibition, “På en skör tråd” (translating to “Hanging on a thread”) she will be showing pictures mainly embroidered by hand but also on a sewing machine.

“I portray human fragility – I want to bring the entire emotional register into the light of acceptance. The base fabrics are light and delicate. Thin threads form stitches. My pictures hang like life on a fragile thread. Slowly I work my way into every emotion and I am enveloped. Humbly, I let my hands take control. Each thread forms a stitch that through its shape, color and direction reflects and reinforces the expression.

Inspiration for the images comes from our inner lives – everything that is experienced is felt. Shaped by responses to our way of being and reacting, we learn to control our emotions – sometimes to the point that we no longer experience them. Like a pattern, the scars of the soul set in and shape our lives going forward.

But being whole as a human being requires access to the whole spectrum of emotions, just like the rainbow needs all its colours.”

Eva Olanders is educated at the well-renowned artisan school, Handarbetets Vänner.