Installation
2021

Directly above Vleeshal there used to be a cloth market (lakenhal). The work strength study, developed by Katie Schwab for her solo show at Vleeshal, descended from the vaulted ceiling, alluding to the former space of textile trading above. strength study is constructed from bias binding, a small ware that is cut at a 45° angle for durability, and is often used for hemming. In strength study bias binding is freed of its concealed supporting role. Both the front and back of the work can be seen and its construction is on display. strength study was created using domestic tools: scissors, a ruler, an iron, threads and a sewing machine. It was pieced together in an improvised pattern, using an intuitive logic akin to the process of quilt making.

When researching the Vleeshal’s history of repair, Schwab encountered a photograph of the war damaged façade being held up by wooden scaffolding. This image influenced the proportions of strength study, a vertical textile at architectural scale. The subtle yellow and rose hues of the stained glass inspired the work’s palette.