ShawlLee Alexander McQueen · 2009
Textile
Textile
Contemporary Art
2009
Contemporary
Röhsska Museum
A Study in Pattern and Color
This textile piece, created in 2009, presents a dense arrangement of intricate designs. The composition focuses on a close-up view of a folded cloth, likely silk, where various colors intersect in a complex visual language. Blue, red, yellow, and green tones compete with white and black elements to form a layered, multi-colored surface. The arrangement of the fabric creates soft folds that catch the light, emphasizing the tactile nature of the material and the precision of its print.
Materiality and Composition
The work functions as a study of surface detail and the intersection of geometry and organic form. The patterns are not merely decorative but appear as a structured dialogue between different motifs. The visual weight is distributed through a variety of elements:
- A palette of primary and secondary colors including red, blue, and yellow.
- Contrasting black accents that define the edges of the patterns.
- The physical texture of the folded silk, which adds depth to the two-dimensional print.
- A complex interplay of shapes that suggests a deliberate, rhythmic repetition.
The Language of the Textile
The piece reflects a preoccupation with the intersection of fashion and visual art. By isolating the pattern from the human form, the focus shifts entirely to the construction of the design itself. The interplay of colors and the density of the print create a sense of controlled chaos, where every inch of the silk is utilized to convey a specific aesthetic intent. It is a quiet exploration of how color and line can define a physical object.
Lee Alexander McQueen (1969 – 2010)
Lee Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) was a revolutionary British fashion designer renowned for sharp tailoring, dramatic runway shows & provocative designs exploring themes of history, romance, and darkness. A lasting icon in haute couture.
Röhsska Museum (Göteborg, Sweden)
Explore design, fashion & crafts at Sweden’s Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg! Discover historic & contemporary exhibits incl. textiles, furniture & Asian art. A unique museum experience for all ages.
About this artwork
- Title: Shawl
- Artist: Lee Alexander McQueen
- Year: 2009
- Format: Square
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Where to see it: Röhsska Museum
- Period: Contemporary
- Color palette: Neutrals
- Main color: Putty
- Purpose: Accent
Quick Facts
- Artist: Lee Alexander McQueen
- Medium: Silk
- Year: 2009
- Notable elements or techniques: Intricate patterns and colorful designs
Questions & Answers
What palette and what feeling does "Shawl" combine?
"Shawl" by Lee Alexander McQueen combines a neutrals palette with an energetic tone.
What was Lee Alexander McQueen's age when "Shawl" was created?
When "Shawl" was created in 2009, Lee Alexander McQueen - born in 1969 - was 40 years old.
What type of artwork is "Shawl" by Lee Alexander McQueen?
"Shawl" is a textile piece.