Noémie

The Noémie tapestry by Michel Degand, created in 1984 and woven by Atelier Pinton in Aubusson, reflects the artist’s sustained exploration of abstraction through fragmentation, rhythm, and luminous surface detail. Degand, who collaborated extensively with the Aubusson workshops throughout his career, developed a distinctive visual language in which forms appear to dissolve and reassemble within a structured yet fluid composition.

The composition is organized around a central motif suggestive of an “eye,” a recurring element that introduces both symbolic and formal tension. Rather than functioning as a literal image, this form anchors the surrounding network of shapes and color fields, guiding the viewer through a layered visual experience. The surface is composed of interlocking fragments that shift in scale and direction, creating a sense of movement and instability that is characteristic of Degand’s approach.

Color plays a defining role in the work’s intensity. A vibrant palette is balanced by areas of contrast, allowing certain elements to emerge while others recede into the composition. The inclusion of silver metal threads around the central motif introduces a reflective quality that interacts with light, enhancing the sense of depth and drawing attention to key structural elements. This subtle luminosity gives the tapestry a dynamic presence that evolves depending on its environment.

The translation into wool, combined with metallic threads, reinforces the interplay between material and image. The woven surface allows for nuanced transitions between tones while preserving the sharpness of Degand’s abstract forms. This balance between softness and precision is central to the work’s visual impact.

Produced in an edition of six and preserved in perfect condition, Noémie stands as a refined example of Degand’s contribution to modern tapestry. The work has been included in major exhibitions dedicated to his textile practice, including the Michel Degand retrospective at Cité Nature and the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Arras (2013–2014), as well as Michel Degand – L’œuvre textile at the Anciens Écuries in Roncq (2010), underscoring its place within his broader artistic legacy.