BLEACHED ANTHOZOA TAPESTRY Sculpture

Estudio OHXOJA is a textile art studio that seeks to have an original approach inspired by the sea and nature. Catarina Cruz and Tiago Amaral, self-taught textile artists, are the portuguese couple behind the studio. They come from different backgrounds, Catarina was window dresser and area team manager at the biggest spanish fashion retailer for more than 20 years and Tiago was freelance architect with strong artistic heritage, growing up and living surrounded by his grandfathers awarded artworks, among ceramics, tiles and paintings. In 2020, during pandemic, they discover in textile art a new form of expression and start autonomously exploring traditional techniques of tapestry. Estudio OHXOJA was the result project that was born from the need of slowing down against society’s rush, mass consumption and mass production, and in this new adventure they were able to collide creativity and artistic perspectives, enjoying every step of the way. The studio is based in Costa da Caparica, a beach paradise near Lisbon and the proximity of the sea and natural landscapes inspire them in creative process. The couple produce handmade contemporary tapestries with 100% portuguese wool, for the wall or the floor using various techniques, from punch needle, tuftinggun or textile sculpture. The bas-relief is carved with scissors, accentuating shapes, light and shades. Each piece is unique and unrepeatable, reflecting emotions or memories and providing both visual and tactile experiences for those who purchase it. Raising awareness of how human behavior impacts the environment is one of the concerns in their creations.