Claude Como grew on the Ivory Coast before moving to France. She painted for years before discovering hand tufting to free herself “from the frame of painting.” She describes her colourful, organically shaped work as wall tapestries. 

Firstly where did you grow up and where do you live now? 

I grew up in The Ivory Coast until I was 16 and currently live in Marseille in the south of France.

What is your background in textiles?

I studied at the Université d’arts plastiques in Aix en Provence and I was a painter for 30 years. Yet I have only used textiles as a medium since 2019 to develop the three dimensional aspects of my painting. My artistic approach is part of a permanent challenge and a game. I go towards what I do not know how to do. Nothing is ever taken for granted.

What is it about textiles as an art form that appeals to you? 

In my painting work I wondered about the flatness and the volume of a space. Textiles allows me to free myself from the frame of the painting, the flat surface has become the wall; the volume, the cut shape. Added to this is the beauty of the juxtaposition of forms. The paint is materialized by the wool.

What techniques do you use?

I use wool in a hand tufting machine. Like the ones traditionally used by craftsmen for making rugs.

How do you describe your work ?

I call them “tapestries” as that they look like carpets on the wall!

Tell us a little about Supernature? 

In 2019, I started a series of tufted tapestries featuring abundant elements of plants and lush micro-organisms. There are seeds, stones, buds, roots, flowers, foliage or even mushrooms, with bright colours. The patterns come from images where both microbial worlds and botanical plates meet. I am inspired by plant, mineral or cellular graphics. “Material influences form, and vice versa. The images derive and are transformed by gestures, technical shifts and fictional necessity.”

How do you create a piece?

I make a rough sketch directly on the stretched canvas which serves as my tufting support, then I work directly with the wool. I need contact with the material an my instinct guides me.

I know this is a hard question but how long does a bigger piece take?

I would say 30 years of practice and a few hours, it depends on my energy.

What are you most proud of in your art career so far?

Proud? I don’t see it from this angle, I’m just continuing my journey and my artistic commitments. This is my place in our world!

Do you have any advice for aspiring textile artists?

Believe in one’s dreams

Is there anything you would like to add?

My motto: learning is growing and growing is becoming free!

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions?

Current shows:

Solo Show: “The form of the unexpected” Contemporary Art Center Les Ateliers d’Estienne Pont-Scorff until December 18, 2022

Collective exhibitions

“Dive into color” Museum of Contemporary Art of Montélimar until January 1, 2023

“Forest Art Project” The tree in contemporary art Water Museum, Pont-en-Royans; Large dryer, Vinay; Convent of the Carmelites, Beauvoir-en-Royans Curator: Paul Ardenne until January 7, 2023

Upcoming shows

Collective shows:

Centre d’art l’ar[T]senal, Dreux, 8th February – 28 May 2023

Collective exhibition Cahors June gardens at the Henri-Martin Museum, June and July 2023

Prize Don Papa Art Program, Bastille Design Centre, Paris, November 2 – 6th 2023

Solo shows:

Galerie le cabinet d’Ulysse Marseille, 29th June – 8th September 2023

Musée de Louviers 2, 1 June – 30th October 2023. 

https://www.claudecomo.com/

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