Spire

The Spire tapestry reflects the dynamic visual language of Pierre Alechinsky, one of the most influential figures associated with the CoBrA movement and a major voice in postwar European art. Born in Brussels in 1927, Alechinsky developed a highly distinctive style that merges expressive abstraction with elements drawn from calligraphy, printmaking, and graphic storytelling. His compositions often combine spontaneous gesture with carefully structured space, creating images that feel both energetic and contemplative.

In Spire, the composition unfolds across an elongated horizontal format that emphasizes movement and visual continuity. At the center of the work, a spiral motif winds its way through the image, creating a sense of flowing motion that guides the viewer’s eye from one side of the tapestry to the other. The spiral is a recurring form in Alechinsky’s work and can be understood as a symbol of rhythm, transformation, and the cyclical movement of nature. Surrounding this central gesture are layered shapes and tonal contrasts that give the surface a sense of depth and visual complexity.

Handwoven in wool by Atelier 3 in Paris, the tapestry translates Alechinsky’s fluid drawing technique into the tactile language of textile. Through subtle blending of threads and variations in weaving density, the weavers recreate the soft transitions and expressive marks that characterize the artist’s ink and brushwork. The woven surface allows colors to shift gently across the composition, preserving the sense of spontaneity while introducing the material richness unique to tapestry.

At over three meters in width, the Spire tapestry creates a panoramic visual experience that transforms the wall into an expansive field of movement and gesture. The large scale encourages the viewer to follow the unfolding rhythm of the composition, allowing Alechinsky’s calligraphic energy to resonate within the architectural space where the work is displayed.