Milla Novo's Textile Art Bridges Desert and Alpine Landscapes
Artist Milla Novo has unveiled a captivating textile installation that gracefully transitions between contrasting natural environments, demonstrating the universal appeal and adaptability of her craft. Initially conceived in the vast expanses of the Mleiha Desert in Sharjah, this intricate artwork was later visualized against the serene backdrop of an Alpine snowfield within a glass structure, creating a dialogue between the real and the imagined.
The project, aptly named 'From Desert Sand to Alpine Snow,' showcases two dozen meticulously hand-knotted fiber panels. These panels were originally commissioned for the Tanweer Festival in 2025 and were physically erected within a 10 by 10-meter steel framework, reaching a height of six meters directly on the desert floor. Their vibrant hues offered a striking contrast against the pale sands and rugged terrain of Mleiha. Subsequently, these identical tapestries were digitally transposed into a transparent glass enclosure, enveloped by snow-covered mountains, a concept brought to life through artificial intelligence, while the physical artwork maintains its handmade essence. The conceptual Alpine display envisions a glass pavilion housing a suspended corridor of macramé panels, where visitors can wander amidst a cascade of vivid colors, including neon pink, marigold yellow, burnt orange, moss green, and sand-toned ropes. These panels extend from the ceiling, their delicate fringes subtly brushing the snow-packed ground. Through the transparent walls, the modern elements of ski lifts and distant mountain ridges provide a stark yet harmonious contrast to the rich textures within.
Prior to its snowy reinterpretation, the 'Ancestral Whispers' installation was a physical spectacle bathed in the intense desert sun. Commissioned by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the artwork was anchored within a rust-colored steel frame directly in the sand. Each of the twenty panels, crafted in Novo's Amsterdam studio, utilized weather-resistant and custom metallic fibers. A closer inspection of the panels reveals a complex tapestry of layered knotting techniques, featuring repeating chevrons, diamond patterns, and scalloped drapes that create a profound sense of relief. Some panels are interwoven with metallic strands that shimmer under the sun, while others utilize thick cotton cords dyed in deeply saturated colors. An emblem of Novo's heritage, the Piwke Mapuche, a heart-shaped flower, adorns the top of the frame, linking the artwork to her Chilean and Mapuche ancestral weaving traditions. This desert installation was designed to interact dynamically with its environment, with fibers swaying in the wind and casting intricate shadows. A central swing invited visitors to immerse themselves within the colorful and textured space, fostering interaction and conversation among festival-goers.
Through this ambitious project, Novo has expanded her artistic repertoire from traditional wall-mounted pieces to immersive spatial environments. Her work beautifully melds ancestral craftsmanship with contemporary design, transforming techniques passed down from her mother into large-scale installations. This venture into open landscapes elevates her medium beyond mere interior decoration, firmly placing it within the realm of installation art. The steel framework defines a spatial boundary, while the woven panels artfully delineate pathways and enclosures, inviting contemplation on the profound connections between nature, heritage, and artistic expression. This journey across diverse environments symbolizes an enduring spirit of creativity and a powerful commentary on the resilience of cultural heritage in a rapidly evolving world.