HM&C Artist Vargas-Suarez Universal’s work was featured in Selvedge, a magazine focusing on textiles.
From Mexico City to Houston to Bishkek. In 2015, contemporary artist Vargas-Suarez Universal opened a studio in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He connected with local craftspeople in the city and in Lake Issyk Kul, where artisans taught him the traditional felt-making practices of the region. He has since created an impressive body of large-scale tapestries using the two ancient felt-carpet techniques, ala-kiyiz and shyrdak, made from local sheep wool. He spent time learning from the revered and respected local master, Meken Osmanaliev, and textile historian Dr. Christine Martens. Deeply moved by the rich crafts of Kyrgyzstan, Vargas-Suarez Universal has since focused on an evolving body of work that the artist calls Celestial Vectors.
From Mexico City to Houston to Bishkek. In 2015, contemporary artist Vargas-Suarez Universal opened a studio in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He connected with local craftspeople in the city and in Lake Issyk Kul, where artisans taught him the traditional felt-making practices of the region. He has since created an impressive body of large-scale tapestries using the two ancient felt-carpet techniques, ala-kiyiz and shyrdak, made from local sheep wool. He spent time learning from the revered and respected local master, Meken Osmanaliev, and textile historian Dr. Christine Martens. Deeply moved by the rich crafts of Kyrgyzstan, Vargas-Suarez Universal has since focused on an evolving body of work that the artist calls Celestial Vectors.
February 18, 2025
