Le Paon de Binje

The Le Paon de Binje tapestry reflects the vibrant and expressive artistic language of Pierre Alechinsky, one of the central figures of the CoBrA movement and a major voice in postwar European art. Born in Brussels in 1927, Alechinsky is known for his energetic compositions that combine gestural abstraction with influences drawn from calligraphy, printmaking, and narrative imagery. His work often explores movement, rhythm, and the relationship between central imagery and surrounding visual elements.

In Le Paon de Binje, Alechinsky builds a composition that radiates outward from a dynamic center, creating a sense of swirling motion across the surface. The title refers to the peacock, a symbol traditionally associated with vibrant color and spreading forms. Rather than depicting the bird literally, the artist suggests its presence through rhythmic loops, sweeping gestures, and repeated shapes that evoke the movement of feathers fanning outward. The square format intensifies this energy, allowing the composition to expand equally in all directions.

Handwoven in wool by Atelier 3 in Paris, the tapestry translates Alechinsky’s fluid brush and ink techniques into a richly textured woven surface. Through subtle blending of threads and variations in weaving density, the weavers recreate the shifting tonal effects characteristic of the artist’s painted works. The woven structure allows colors to interact softly across the surface, preserving the spontaneous quality of the original design while adding depth and material presence.

At over two and a half meters on each side, the Le Paon de Binje tapestry creates a powerful architectural presence. Its expansive square format transforms the wall into a field of movement and color, allowing Alechinsky’s calligraphic gestures to unfold across the interior space in a monumental textile form.