Monumental Tapestries by Jacqueline Surdell Invoke Forests as Portals to the Divine

Jacqueline Surdell (previously featured) draws an intriguing parallel between her process of intertwining and knotting ropes to the art of painting. She perceives each flowing strand of connected fiber as a gestural expression that pulses and expands across a visual field.

A seasoned athlete, Surdell engages in a physically intense practice where her body often becomes a conduit as she weaves on an expansive loom positioned above the ground. The striking creations, made from robust industrial nylon and cotton ropes, emerge on monumental steel frames that span over 20 feet, reflecting her dedication to a labor of repetitive motion akin to rigorous athletic training.

Surdell’s latest exhibition at Secrist | Beach in Chicago presents a captivating exploration of transformation and reverence in her solo show, The Conversion: Rings, Rupture, and the Forest Archive. She channels her “cosmic connection” with her great uncle Paul—a shared birthday and his tragic passing in a forested area during the Battle of the Bulge—into her art.

By weaving narratives into the fabric of nature, Surdell intertwines her Catholic upbringing and experiences with biblical themes, emphasizing moments of spiritual clarity. To her, forests represent “sacred thresholds,” with her vibrant creations serving as gateways to the divine. “Looking into the forest transcends mere representation—it transforms into storytelling and myth-building,” she elaborates in a video interview.

In this new exhibition, printed polyester fabric plays a notable role, featuring photographic depictions of sunlight piercing through dense forest canopies, enhancing works like the shadowy “Penance of Leaves,” while “Paul” showcases a brilliant sunset. For Surdell, nature is very much alive and serves as a vital collaborator in preserving our collective memory and fostering a space for transcendence.

The Conversion will be on display until November 15. Discover more about Surdell’s artistic journey on Instagram.