Textile artwork – ‘Kimono’ – five-panel composition – IAN

The artwork

Kimono is an original textile artwork by IAN consisting of five separate panels, each measuring 84 × 43 cm. Together, the panels form one wide composition in which five stylised kimono forms stand side by side. The repetition of the same basic shape creates calm and rhythm, while the differences in colour, line and paint application give each panel its own character. Each panel is constructed from three layers of Mexican cotton. IAN sewed the layers together by hand before painting them. The fabric is therefore not simply a neutral surface, but a visible part of the artwork. Seams, stitches, folds, fibres and raw edges give the piece its tactile and handcrafted appearance. The five kimono forms move from dark green and grey tones towards transparent shades of yellow, white and grey. The central panel, with its deep red-brown colour, forms a powerful visual anchor. In the final panel, black and grey-blue contrast with light, almost floral accents. This creates a balance between darkness and light, softness and graphic strength. From a distance, the five vertical forms and the progression of colour are most noticeable. Up close, the different layers of cotton, hand-sewn stitches and the way the paint has been absorbed by the fibres become visible. This interaction between the overall composition and its details makes Kimono an artwork that reveals itself gradually.

Dimensions: five panels, each measuring 84 × 43 cm
Total width without gaps: approximately 215 cm
Orientation: horizontal composition of five vertical panels
Material: three layers of Mexican cotton per panel
Method: sewn together by hand and subsequently painted
Art form: textile painting and five-panel composition
Originality: original and one of a kind
Product reference: 00.0522.044

The artist

IAN is a Belgian artist working at the intersection of painting, textiles and line. Her background in the fashion world is reflected in her sensitivity to material, pattern, colour and proportion. Before focusing on her independent artworks, she designed patterns and worked with fabrics and colours for names including Dries Van Noten and Natalie Vleeschouwer. In her textile paintings, the material deliberately remains visible. Fibres, seams, folds and stitches are not concealed, but contribute to the composition. The paint does not only lie on the fabric; it is partially absorbed by the cotton and merges with it. This gives the colours a softer, more lived-in appearance than paint applied to a conventional, tightly stretched canvas. Kimono brings together IAN’s understanding of fashion and autonomous art. The recognisable garment shape provides structure, but within that form she works freely with translucent colour fields, dark contrasts and visible handmade details. The result is calm and refined, yet also monumental through its overall width.

Interior advice by Decoration

Without gaps, the five panels have a combined width of approximately 215 cm. With a distance of around two to four centimetres between the panels, the complete installation will measure approximately 223 to 231 cm wide. Choose an open wall at least three metres wide so that the artwork has sufficient breathing space. A long sideboard can support the horizontal composition, but it should not appear wider or visually heavier than the artwork.

Hang the panels at the same height and keep the gaps consistent. The small spaces show that the composition consists of five separate textile pieces and reinforce its rhythm. Avoid glass and heavy frames: the fibres, raw edges and shadows created by the cotton are part of the artwork’s character.

Scenario 1 – Light and tactile

A wall in Old White provides a calm base for the natural cotton tones. Repeat Cyprus White on an adjoining wall, in a niche or on another architectural surface. Combine these colours with light oak, linen, matte ceramics and a pale natural-stone floor. The soft background allows the dark, yellow and red-brown kimono forms to speak individually. This direction suits a bright living room, wide hallway or calm dining space. Use only a few accessories so that the textile structure remains the main focus.

Scenario 2 – Deep and graphic

Against a wall in Black Lily, the light cotton and raw edges become much more pronounced. Use Cornwall Black only as a restrained accent in a slender lamp or small metal detail. Dark walnut, pale bouclé and a matte stone floor keep the interior refined and prevent it from becoming too heavy. This direction particularly strengthens the red-brown central panel and the black forms on either side. Provide soft directional lighting to reveal the fibres and subtle shadows.

Scenario 3 – Refined green

Venetian Green gives the five-panel artwork a natural and calm background. The soft green connects with the muted and translucent colour fields, while black, pale yellow and red-brown retain sufficient contrast. Combine the wall with weathered oak, cream linen, a woven rug and a few handmade ceramic objects. This atmosphere works beautifully in a living room, reading space or interior where art and honest materials take centre stage. Keep other patterns restrained, as the five kimono forms already bring rhythm to the room.

Good to know

The interior images accompanying this artwork are atmospheric impressions created with the help of the Decoration Color Visualizer. Decoration Paint colours were used as the starting point to show how the artwork can interact with colour, materials, light and space. These images are intended for inspiration and are not an exact representation of colour, dimensions or proportions. For an accurate assessment, always refer to the original product image, stated dimensions and product information.

ART GALLERY

Transport, purchase and viewing of art

Every artwork in our collection is unique. We therefore coordinate transport, handover and viewings personally, taking both the artwork and your situation into account.

Purchase directly and collect

Would you like to purchase the artwork directly? You can complete the purchase online and collect the artwork yourself from Pot Interieur in Axel.

• No shipping costs
• Collection by appointment
• Personal handover of the artwork

The artwork is located at Pot Interieur in Axel, where it can be viewed in person during opening hours. Art is not sent by standard parcel delivery. Depending on its dimensions, materials and value, we arrange personal handover or specialised art transport. After a reservation or purchase, we will contact you to coordinate transport and handover carefully.

Would you like to reserve or view it first?

Would you like to see the artwork in person first? You can have it temporarily reserved for €50. The artwork will be held exclusively for you and we will contact you personally to arrange an appointment at Pot Interieur in Axel. If you purchase the artwork, the reservation fee will be deducted in full. If you decide not to proceed with the purchase, the €50 will be refunded.

Contact us

Would you like to make a reservation, arrange a viewing or receive more information? Contact us by telephone, WhatsApp or email.

Frequently asked questions about Kimono

1. Is Kimono by IAN one artwork or five separate pieces?

Kimono is one original art composition consisting of five separate textile panels. The panels are offered together as one five-panel artwork and form a unified composition through their repeated kimono shapes and progression of colour.

2. How were the textile panels made?

Each panel consists of three layers of Mexican cotton. The layers were sewn together by hand and then painted. The visible stitching, fibres, folds and raw edges are part of the artwork.

3. How much wall space does Kimono require?

Each panel measures 84 × 43 cm. Without gaps, the five panels have a combined width of approximately 215 cm. With gaps of two to four centimetres, the total installation will measure approximately 223 to 231 cm wide. An open wall at least three metres wide gives the artwork sufficient breathing space.

4. Which Decoration Paint colours complement Kimono?

Old White and Cyprus White create a light, natural presentation. Black Lily strengthens the light cotton fibres and graphic forms. Venetian Green gives the artwork a softer, more refined and natural background.

5. Where can I view and reserve Kimono?

Kimono can be viewed at Pot Interieur in Axel. You can temporarily reserve the artwork for €50. If you purchase it, this amount will be deducted in full. After a reservation or purchase, we will contact you personally to arrange the viewing, handover or transport.