BLOOMS - Textile collages by Heidi Hankaniemi

BLOOMS, the solo exhibition by New York-based Finnish textile artist Heidi Hankaniemi presents a series of vintage floral embroideries brought together to flourish. This exhibition was part of New York Textile Month 2021 and took place at the Finnish Consulat in New York from Sept 15th until Nov 15th 2021

Heidi Hankaniemi’s practice is based on the belief that objects have a physical memory and that handmade textiles absorb an essence from their makers.

Hankaniemi collects vintage handiworks: floral embroideries, laces, crochets, linens, and doilies from flea markets and charity shops across the world. She combines and constructs them by sewing pieces into larger collages and installations. The materials are the labor of a myriad of anonymous women (and men) and manifest a testament to skill, patience and perseverance.