Tia Keobounpheng’s artistic journey began in Oulu, Finland, where she learned to weave at the age of 18. Sitting alongside elderly Finnish women in a weaving center, she immersed herself in the craft, setting the foundation for her future artistic endeavors. After pursuing studies in weaving, architecture, and design, Keobounpheng’s work now reflects a blend of precise geometries and vibrant colors, inspired by her ancestral connections to the Sámi people.
The Sámi, an Indigenous group from northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional practices like reindeer herding and fishing. However, their history is marked by suppression and assimilation efforts by Scandinavian governments in the 19th century, leading to the erasure of their language and customs.
Keobounpheng’s art delves into the realm of geometry, drawing parallels between the physical act of weaving and the interconnectedness of her ancestral roots. Each piece is meticulously planned, with a focus on mapping out geometrical designs, selecting color palettes, and threading intricate patterns on wood panels. However, the artist acknowledges the importance of surrendering to the creative process, allowing the threads to guide her towards unexpected outcomes.
Influenced by modernist artists like Robert Motherwell and Mark Rothko, as well as Sámi artist Outi Pieski, Keobounpheng’s work embodies a fusion of traditional craft techniques and contemporary artistic expression. Her pieces, characterized by precise interwoven shapes and vibrant hues, invite viewers to explore the intersection of culture, history, and geometry.
Currently, Keobounpheng’s artwork can be viewed at Weinstein Hammons Gallery’s booth at EXPO Chicago and in the Nordic Echoes exhibition at Scandinavia House in New York City. Through her intricate thread compositions, the artist invites audiences to reflect on the circular nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. Explore more of Keobounpheng’s work on her website and Instagram, where her art continues to unravel the threads of history and identity.
