Les Bleus à l'Âme (Blues of the Soul) is a textile-driven conversation taking place between Southeast Asia and Africa.

 Les Bleus à l'Âme reflects on the identity of textiles: where they come from, how they’re made, and the deep histories they carry. As I explored the intersections between these regions, I found moments of connection, such as the deep importance attributed to traditional woven textiles; but also striking contrasts, for example as to whether the clothes were in everyday use or kept only for special occasions. The thread of blue that ties it all together became more than just a color—it became a symbol of these shared experiences and diverse histories.

 For this series I wanted to experiment and break free from my comfort zone. I created modular pieces, cutting my monoprints into thin strips and weaving them together. Some pieces feature gold and silver leaf, contrasting with the matte ink of my prints. The shimmering gold echoes the gilded pagodas of Myanmar, the intricate umbrellas of Southeast Asian Buddhist temples, and the role of gold in Baoulé craftsmanship in Côte d'Ivoire. The silver, meanwhile, is a nod to the rich tradition of Burmese silversmithing.

 As I lived in Myanmar (Burma), Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, and traveled in neighboring countries I discovered a world of colors, textures, and traditions. These are united in this series by the color blue, specifically indigo dye, which weaves through the fabric of both regions.

 This series is a tribute to the women who shared their stories and traditions with me along the way. These women pass down their knowledge and skills, preserving centuries-old techniques from one generation to the next. Through their art and resilience, they embody the soul of cultural transmission.

With Les Bleus à l'Âme, I invite you to dive into a story of travel, discovery, and cultural appreciation and exchange. At this time in our global history it is important to value cultural diversity, the beauty of natural colors, traditional techniques and styles of weaving, the commonalities of human experience, and beauty.