Joanna Louca: Weaving the Future
Text: Romina Xyda / Photos: Panagiotis Mina
Blending tradition with innovation in weaving, she crafts unique pieces that reach audiences around the globe.
Art has been an integral part of Joanna Louca’s life since childhood. Her father, an opera enthusiast and gifted painter, and her grandmother, a master lacemaker, nurtured her appreciation for aesthetics and beauty. Reflecting on their influence, she says, “With their guidance, I found my artistic voice. My first real experience with weaving came from my grandmother, as I spent countless hours assisting her with yarn. This early connection to fabric eventually sparked my passion for collecting traditional weaving.”
Next came studies in London, graduation from a prestigious technical school of weaving, and completion of a Masters degree from Goldsmiths University. “London was a pivotal point in my artistic journey. In the ‘90s, the city was brimming with inspiration, offering me countless opportunities for growth and collaboration with prominent artists.”
For the past 23 years, she has maintained a personal studio in Nicosia where she channels her experiences into works that evoke deep emotions from her audience. But which of her works stands out to her? “My favourite is a large-scale piece I created in 2018 for the Homo Faber exhibition in Venice, where I experimented with new techniques, freeing weaving from its traditional constraints.”
As she emphasises, her inspiration comes from her travels, research in museums, and her extensive book collection, while her digital archive of over 2,000 textile samples offers endless creative possibilities. But what does creating a piece on the loom require? “The process is time-consuming: from designing and presenting the concept to producing the first small-scale sample, and finally weaving the piece, which can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months. Weaving, with the persistence and patience it demands, is for me the art of silent dignity and understated beauty.”
As for her future plans? “At the moment, I’m working on a group textile exhibition that will take place in Nicosia this December at NiMAC, followed by a project for a public space in France, which is expected to be completed in 2025.
“For me, Weaving is the art of silent dignity and understated beauty.”
