Experience Silk From Many Perspectives during the new exhibition at Haus der Seidenkultur

“Inspiration Silk” is the title of the new temporary exhibition which will run from 14th February to 31st May 2016 at Haus der Seidenkultur (HdS). “Experience silk from a completely different perspective” says curator Klaus Drenk promoting the widely differing crafts, paintings and object art.”

Three top-class “silk artists” are responsible for the some 100 exhibits: Hella Ness from Wolfsburg is committed to the Shibori technique, a century-old folding and dyeing technique. Ness:  “For me silk is not just material but also a medium through which light, space, transparency and plasticity become one." As a member of “Kunstverein Seide” (association of artists working with silk) she has participated in many exhibitions in Germany and abroad, particularly in New Zealand. Margit Valjak’s craft includes textile art, acryl painting and mixed media. She belongs to the “KünstlerSpectrum” and has made a name for herself in particular in Bavaria. Whether at Mainau Castle, at the large craft fair in Munich or at the “Paperworld” in Frankfurt, Valjak’s works all generated a positive echo.

Brunhild Mauss who originates from Berlin had the shortest “journey” to the current HdS exhibition as she lives in Tönisvorst at present. The “action medeor” located there has been using her pictures as postcards for the German “Medikamenten-Hilfswerk” charity for the past 12 years. Mauss refers to her embroidery work as “thread painting” which expresses a close bond with nature: “I rely on nature in my work”, says the artist. And: “I paint-embroider blades of grass, leaves and flowers from a sight perspective; perhaps also a field mouse.  Small becomes large and visibly attractive.”

“With the exhibits of these artists, silk comes to the place where it once wrote history in the Silk and Velvet town,” said Gregor Micus, from the Department of Culture, expressing the good wishes of the town of Krefeld at the vernissage. Referring to HdS he spoke of it being “an ideal exhibition venue where the past, present and future of the textile town are brought to life”. “If HdS did not exist, it would simply have to be invented,” added Gerda Schnell, district manager for Krefeld Centre, a further compliment. And: “The cultural location is making a significant contribution to the current appreciable upgrading of the Kronprinzenviertel.”

“Inspiration Silk” is open to the public in the Museum at Luisenstraße 15 during the opening hours from Wednesdays to Fridays 15.00 to 18.00 hours and Sundays 13.00 to 17.00 hours. Individual guided tours can be booked under telephone 02151-510812 or per Email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Margit Valjak occupies herself with a wide range of textile art.

Hella Ness from Wolfsburg. In the background he “Blue Wonder”.

Brunhild Mauss has created the term “thread painting”.

The focus of the vernissage the artists Brunhild Mauss (left), Margit Valjak, Hella Geisler (Siegen) from “Kunstverein Seide”), Hella Ness and curator Klaus Drenk