Roxana Yanovsky - Weaving Memories with Kozo Paper

Roxana Yanovsky, an Argentine artist, uses her project Tapestry of Paper Threads—Weaving Memories to explore how memories build upon each other and connect us. In her Hilvan Tapestry, she crafts paper tapestries by cutting, stitching, and weaving, like piecing together layers of memory. Each “memory point” isn’t finished or complete on its own; instead, it connects with others to form a dense, intricate fabric—held together by threads, some of which are ancient and carry their own history.

The Hilvan Project, using 24 pieces of Thai Kozo paper from Kozo Studio, creates a stage for artistic exchange. These stages are black and white with small empty squares, and each piece is decorated with lines in white, black, or primary colors. The layout draws inspiration from two well-known artists: Kasimir Malevich, who used simple squares in his work, and Piet Mondrian, known for his bold lines and primary colors. By combining these elements, Roxana imagines a dialogue between the two artists, bringing their ideas together on each sheet and inviting viewers to see this conversation unfold.

Roxana’s artwork in the Hilvan Tapestry project incorporates two unique types of paper, each adding a distinct texture and quality to her pieces. The first, Handmade Kobe Kozo Paper (White or Black), is a carefully crafted mulberry paper known for its exquisite detail and quality. Each sheet is made by hand, with artisans meticulously drawing fine cotton threads across the surface of the kozo pulp one line at a time, creating a delicate random checkered pattern. This slow, deliberate process results in beautiful paper with a subtle, unique texture, perfect for intricate art and decoration, adding an elegant, refined touch.

The second type, Momigami Color Kozo Paper (in Black, White, Red, Blue, and Yellow) brings a different feel to the project with its distinctive crumpled texture. Created by kneading mulberry paper with a specialized starch blend, this Momigami paper has a soft, rice-paper-like finish that’s highly flexible and resilient. Its versatility allows it to be used in many creative ways. In Roxana’s hands, this crumpled, textured paper enhances the tactile experience of her work, making her art feel alive and interactive, inviting viewers to explore both visual and physical layers of memory.

Roxana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxana_yanovsky/