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PSYCHEDELIC TEXTILES

Driven by interdisciplinary biomaterial research, these textiles are designed from an unusual combination of wool waste & psychoactive substances

"GOTLAND:GARMENT INSTALLATION", 70CMX126CM — © SHUSHANIK DROSHAKIRYAN

The project explores the time gap between an irrational idea and an actual material, driven by controversies of diverse cultural aesthetics.
Experimental at its heart, these textiles embrace a free-form interpretation of shape, colour, and texture.

Navigating Cultural Aesthetics Through Time, Ideas, and Materiality

"Psychedelic Textiles" is an interactive exhibit featuring six grand textile installations. Each installation showcases a unique biomaterial crafted from raw Dutch wool combined with an unusual mix of coffee waste, charcoal, and chocolate.

How does this 'slightly odd' blend of materials perform?

The project redefines the logic of biomaterial research and craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of design aesthetics with 100% biodegradability. By using Dutch wool as its primary material, it rethinks wool ecosystems and offers a solution to wool waste.

Inspired by Armenian mysticism, the project presents a distinctive fusion of times, ideas and materiality. These textiles explore contrasting textures—rough and smooth, transparent and opaque, matte and glossy, leather-like and fur-like, cracked and wrinkled—providing a rich tactile experience. Featuring an earthy colour palette, these textiles introduce a new spectrum of tones and textures, questioning the status quo of wool with a fresh aesthetic vision.

"Psychedelic Textiles" aims to design high-end fashion gowns with a zero environmental footprint, ensuring that the textiles cause no harm at the end of their life cycle.

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About DROSHAKIRYAN

With a Master's in fine art & fashion, my artistic journey has evolved from the classical forms of post-Soviet school to cutting-edge biomaterial research. Funded by the StimuelringsFonds & Creative Industries Fond NL, my ongoing research project focuses on Dutch wool to rethink wool ecosystems through designing 100% biodegradable biomaterials.
At my one-woman lab, "Venus In Fury", based in Amsterdam I research, document & craft biomaterials, considering each material's life cycle.

"CRACKED INSTALLATION", 90CMX520CM — © SHUSHANIK DROSHAKIRYAN

"SŪF:GRANDE INSTALLATION", 200CMX700CM — © SHUSHANIK DROSHAKIRYAN

"THE COMET", WRINKLED INSTALLATION, 90CMX540CM — © SHUSHANIK DROSHAKIRYAN

SŪF:TIME TRAVELLING INSTALLATION, 96CMX126CM — © SHUSHANIK DROSHAKIRYAN

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