Marianna D’Aquino is a craftswoman-artist specialising in the production of carpets, tapestries and home textiles. Born in the province of Lecce, after studying at the Liceo Artistico (Arts High School) and the Accademia delle Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts), she graduated in Cultural Heritage and her training in textiles began in Matera in 2013. In the following years, she realised several interior decoration projects, and participated in art competitions and exhibitions. One of her works, created in 2016 and based on Josè Ortega’s engraving ‘The Silk’, is exhibited in the ‘Ortega House’ museum in Matera.
Marianna’s current professional endeavours are centred within the ‘Bottega dell’Artigianato Domestico’ (Home handicraft shop), a facility situated within a 18th-century edifice in the historic centre of Matera, specifically within the ‘Rione dei Sassi’. These spaces, characterised by their profound historical and cultural significance, have undergone a conservation restoration process under the aegis of the ‘Sextantio’ initiative. Marianna’s artistic practice is primarily focused on the horizontal loom, employing a range of traditional weaving techniques to create pieces that are both unique and original.
Her creative process commences with meticulous research and analysis of the textile artefacts preserved in the region, including garments, blankets, pillows, saddlebags and grain sacks.Drawing inspiration from the unembellished weaves characteristic of Matera’s popular culture, she produces unique textile artefacts utilising linen and cotton yarns. The workshop also holds vertical loom weaving workshops for adults and children.

 

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