April, Ulrika Leander, 2022, tapestry, 47 x 78 in. / 119.38 x 198.12 cm.

Woven Light: How Ulrika Leander Captures the Outdoors

Featured image: April, Ulrika Leander, 2022, tapestry, 47 x 78 in. / 119.38 x 198.12 cm.

Ulrika Leander's tapestries are masterful examples of woven art that captures both the serenity and subtle drama of natural landscapes.

Ulrika Leander is a contemporary tapestry artist known for her intricate handwoven artworks that vividly capture natural landscapes, employing a rich palette and dynamic textures to evoke mood and atmosphere.

These three works, "Midsummer Twilight," "Unfinished Sky," and "Noontide," showcase Leander's adeptness at manipulating both color and texture to create depth and atmosphere in her compositions.

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Midsummer Twilight (2021)

Midsummer Twilight, Ulrika Leander, 2021, tapestry, 48.5 x 67.5 in. / 123.19 x 171.45 cm.

Midsummer Twilight, Ulrika Leander, 2021, tapestry, 48.5 x 67.5 in. / 123.19 x 171.45 cm.

"Midsummer Twilight" is a vivid tapestry woven with wool and cotton that depicts a tranquil moorland as evening descends. The use of a varied color palette, primarily blues and greens, imbues the scene with a cool, serene quality. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the organic placement of the rocks, evokes a sense of enduring calm. Leander’s technique of gradually blending colors and creating textures gives the piece a dynamic yet peaceful presence.

Unfinished Sky (2020)

Unfinished Sky, Ulrika Leander, 2020, tapestry, 78.5 x 66 in. / 199.39 x 167.64 cm.

Unfinished Sky, Ulrika Leander, 2020, tapestry, 78.5 x 66 in. / 199.39 x 167.64 cm.

In "Unfinished Sky," Leander explores the expansive beauty of the sky with a minimalist approach. The composition is striking, featuring a broad expanse of sky above a stark, rocky ground. The contrast between the textured stones and the smooth gradation of the sky highlights her skill in creating visual tension and narrative through weaving. The tapestry’s large dimensions enhance its immersive quality, making it a powerful statement on nature’s changing moods.

Noontide (2018)

Noontide, Ulrika Leander, 2018, tapestry, 46 x 66.5 in. / 116.84 x 168.91 cm.

Noontide, Ulrika Leander, 2018, tapestry, 46 x 66.5 in. / 116.84 x 168.91 cm.

"Noontide" captures the harsh light of midday on a sparse, stony landscape. The palette is muted, with whites and beiges predominating, reflecting the bleaching effect of intense sunlight. This piece is a study in texture, with the roughness of the rocks meticulously rendered against the flat, expansive background. Leander’s control over the medium is evident in her ability to convey time and heat through the textural contrasts and subdued color choices.

Ulrika Leander’s tapestries are not just woven images; they are landscapes brought to life through yarn. Her work speaks to the power of traditional crafts updated with contemporary visions, making each piece a deep reflection of both natural beauty and artistic innovation. By capturing the ephemeral qualities of time and light, Leander’s works invite viewers to a stillness that is both profound and moving.

Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Prelude to Summer, Ulrika Leander, 2022, tapestry, 59 x 48 in. / 149.86 x 121.92 cm.

Prelude to Summer, Ulrika Leander, 2022, tapestry, 59 x 48 in. / 149.86 x 121.92 cm.

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