Issue 6, Plus Connect

Adriana Meunié

Beauty of nature's depictions

Words PLUS MAGAZINE

Photography RICARD LÓPEZ

Adriana Meunié‘s textile artistry is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional craft techniques and the beauty of nature’s depictions. Her works are characterized by their voluminous and whimsical designs, all inspired by the flora and fauna of her native Mallorca. In many ways, Meunié’s work is reminiscent of the great textile artists of the past, such as Anni Albers. Like Albers, Meunié uses weaving to express complex ideas and sensations, transforming simple threads into intricate and evocative designs. Meunié’s pieces are a testament to the power of weaving to convey both beauty and meaning.

Through her hands, weaving takes on a new dimension, where the threads are not just materials to be manipulated but a means to express complex ideas and sensations. Each piece is a labor of love, where the artist’s touch and the loom become one, laying a tapestry of Mallorca’s past and present. Meunié reminds us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places and that the humblest materials can be transformed into extraordinary work.

PLUS MAGAZINE: You first studied fashion design in Barcelona and eventually got into textiles. How does each creative area complement, relate to, and inspire one another?

ADRIANA MUENIÉ: My decision to pursue fashion design stemmed from a desire to engage with a highly creative field in a designer capacity. As I delved deeper into textiles, I began to appreciate their profound cultural significance, historical context, and diverse applications. I view textiles as a form of language capable of expressing complex ideas and emotions. Despite this, I found the fast-paced and high-stress environment of the fashion industry didn’t suit me anymore. As a result, over the course of a decade, I began experimenting with new ways of using textiles as a medium, gradually shifting towards creating wall hangings featuring figurative drawings. After returning home to the island, I fell in love with the raw materials in my surroundings, particularly wool. This marked a turning point, and I mustered the courage to showcase my creations to a broader audience. Although my journey has been slow, I feel like I’m just beginning to tap into my full potential.

P: How has coming back to Mallorca shaped your ideas and artistic motivations? And how are you connecting to its traditions and heritage?

AM: I often express that while I do not believe Mallorca to be the best place in the world, its culture and surroundings are integral to my identity. Being born and raised on the island, I have a profound connection to its people, traditions, and environment, and I have a strong desire to safeguard and promote these elements that I dearly hold. While globalization is a valuable tool for broadening perspectives and learning about other cultures, it can also be detrimental when it leads to losing or diluting a location’s unique identity. It is disheartening when Mallorca is reduced to merely a tourist destination known only for its sunny beaches. Instead, I aim to celebrate and highlight the island’s rich language, history, and diverse industries, including its unique artisanal crafts, that have existed for centuries before the rise of tourism.

P: Can you share a bit about your studio?

AM: My studio is conveniently located on the top floor of my home, which I share with my partner, Jaume Roig, a talented ceramic sculptor and painter. The studio’s close proximity to our living quarters makes it an integral part of our daily routine. The space has a rustic and traditional feel, which is not surprising since it was previously used to store various food items such as grain, tomatoes, and sobrasada. The convenience of having my studio at home is a new experience for me, as I used to work in a different village before relocating.

I try to maintain a simple and uncluttered workspace to facilitate my creative process. The first area of my studio comprises a table with a sewing machine reserved for cutting fabrics. I have installed a mirror and a sofa in this area as well. The second area is dedicated to creating the small weaving pieces and houses most of my materials. And I prefer to have my materials displayed and within reach, as they often inspire my work. Some of these materials have been with me for years, waiting for the right moment to be used.

P: Where is the starting point for embarking on the creation of a new work/form, and how do you choose your materials?

AM: Each material has unique qualities and can evoke different sensations. Wool, for example, is cozy and soft, while raffia allows for clean and sophisticated shapes. On the other hand, vegetal fibers, such as esparto, have a wild and organic feel. Each piece I create builds upon the previous one; a mistake can lead to a new idea, or I may want to incorporate something from an earlier work to improve upon it. I find it fascinating that an idea can stay on my mind long before I can bring it to life. Ultimately, I always start with the basics and gradually add complexity as I learn and grow.