Textile painting Julie number 1 – IAN

The artwork

Julie number 1 is a monumental textile painting in which large light forms are surrounded and intersected by translucent grey areas. Two tall, organic shapes determine the rhythm of the horizontal composition. Darker sections along the top and bottom provide definition, while the lighter areas open up the work and create an almost translucent play of light. Up close, the fibres, seams, overlapping sections and subtle differences in transparency become visible. The softly irregular outer edge emphasises its handmade character. The composition may evoke filtered light, textile architecture or forms appearing through a fine mist, without imposing a single interpretation. Measuring 250 cm wide × 190 cm high, the artwork requires space and sufficient viewing distance. Its calm colours soften its monumental dimensions, while the graphic composition gives it a clear presence. Julie number 1 belongs to the Julie series. Within this series, IAN works with the same name, colours and composition. Each version, however, is made again entirely by hand and may have a different size. This specific artwork is therefore a unique piece rather than an identical reproduction of another work from the series.

The artist

IAN is a Belgian artist who creates monumental textile paintings at the intersection of painting and textile art. Her understanding of materials, patterns and colour originates in the world of fashion. Before focusing on her independent artistic practice, she designed patterns and worked with fabrics and colours for designers and brands including Dries Van Noten and Natalie Vleeschouwer. Fibres, folds, seams and stitches remain visible in her art. The delicacy of the materials contrasts with the strength of the scale and composition. From a distance, her textile art appears calm and clear; when viewed more closely, it gradually reveals its handmade details.

The technique

Julie number 1 consists of three layers of batiste, cotton gauze and paper stitched together by hand. Differences in density and structure make some parts of the composition appear translucent, while others look more solid. Lines, seams and overlapping sections are not concealed but remain part of the image. The thin, refined materials give the artwork a soft and tactile appearance. At the same time, the large forms and darker edges bring strength and direction to the composition. This creates a balance between delicacy, craftsmanship and monumental presence.

Interior advice by Decoration

Because of its dimensions of 250 × 190 cm, Julie number 1 is best displayed on a wide, high wall with sufficient open space around it. A generous living room, entrance hall, open gallery space or spacious dining room provides the necessary viewing distance. Combine the textile with matt fabrics, wood, natural stone and soft indirect lighting. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and keep the visible outer edge free from busy decorations.

Scenario 1 – Powerful calm with Black Lily

Decoration colours: Black Lily and Peyote Green

A wall in Black Lily gives the light and translucent parts of Julie number 1 greater contrast and depth. The soft grey tones prevent the composition from feeling harsh. Peyote Green can be repeated in armchairs, cushions, ceramics and plants. A light-coloured sofa, a natural-stone coffee table and matt fabrics create balance and keep the textile and its handmade edges at the centre of attention.

The effect: a calm, modern interior in which the artwork has a powerful presence without making the room feel heavy.

Scenario 2 – Colourful and personal

Decoration colours: Shabby Pink and Casper Blue

A wall in Shabby Pink gives the cool white and grey tones of the textile painting a warm background. Casper Blue can be used on a sofa, vintage cabinet or statement armchair. Add a colourful rug and a few accessories with warm yellow and red accents. Within this combination, the restrained artwork provides a calm focal point that connects the different colours.

The effect: a lively and personal interior in which colour adds energy while the artwork creates balance and refinement.

Scenario 3 – Layered hotel chic

Decoration colours: Sint Helena Blue and Gold

A wall in Sint Helena Blue provides Julie number 1 with a deep, embracing background and allows the lighter forms to stand out clearly. Use Gold sparingly on a small furniture detail or together with warm metallic lighting. A low cabinet in dark wood, a velvet sofa or armchair and a generous rug introduce softness and luxury.

The effect: a stylish hotel-chic room with depth, soft materials and warm lighting, in which the monumental textile painting becomes a calm and refined focal point.

Interior impressions using Decoration colours

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. The images are intended as inspiration and are not exact representations of colour, dimensions or proportions. Always consult the original product photograph, the stated dimensions and the product information for an accurate assessment.

Personal art advice

Are you unsure whether the dimensions, colours or appearance of this artwork will suit your interior? Decoration will be happy to advise you personally. With a photograph and the dimensions of your room, we can provide more specific advice on placement, wall colour, lighting and the proportions in relation to your furniture.

Frequently asked questions about ‘Julie number 1’

1. Is ‘Julie number 1’ a unique artwork if several works exist within the Julie series?

Yes. IAN uses the same name, colours and composition within the series, but makes each work again entirely by hand and in its own size. This version measuring 250 cm wide × 190 cm high exists only once and is therefore a unique piece.

2. Where can I display a textile painting measuring 250 × 190 cm?

The artwork requires a wide, high wall and sufficient viewing distance. It works well in a generous living room, spacious dining room, entrance hall or open gallery space. Leave enough wall visible around the work so that the composition and softly irregular outer edge do not feel enclosed.

3. How do lighting and viewing distance affect the artwork?

From a distance, you mainly experience the large light forms and calm horizontal composition. Up close, the fibres, seams, overlapping sections and translucent layers become visible. Soft indirect lighting helps reveal these details. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is best avoided with delicate textile materials.

4. What materials is ‘Julie number 1’ made from?

The artwork consists of three layers of batiste, cotton gauze and paper. These layers have been stitched together by hand. The visible fibres, joins, transparency and variations in material structure form an important part of the image.

5. Can I view or reserve ‘Julie number 1’ before purchasing it?

Yes. The artwork can be viewed in person at Pot Interieur in Axel. You can also reserve it temporarily for €50 or request a viewing in your own home within a radius of 100 km. Because of its generous dimensions, transport and handover will always be coordinated with you personally.

ART GALLERY

Transport, purchase and viewing of art

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

Buy directly and collect

Would you like to purchase the artwork immediately? You can pay for it through the webshop and collect it yourself from Pot Interieur in Axel.

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

Temporary reservation – €50, deducted from the purchase price

Would you like to see the artwork in person before deciding? With a temporary reservation, we will hold the work exclusively for you. Please contact us at info@decoration-for-interior.com or +31 (0)114 31 30 92. We will then arrange an appointment for you to view it at Pot Interieur in Axel.

• You pay a reservation fee of €50
• If you purchase the artwork, this amount will be deducted from the purchase price
• If you decide not to purchase it, the €50 will be refunded

Viewing at your home – €50

Would you like to see the artwork in your own home first? Please contact us to arrange a viewing.

• Cost: €50
• If you purchase the artwork, this amount will be deducted in full
• If you decide not to purchase it, the €50 fee will be charged
• Available within a radius of 100 km

If the distance is greater, we will discuss transport and any additional costs with you in advance. This allows us to reserve sufficient time and attention for you while handling the artwork with care.

Good to know

The artworks are located at Pot Interieur in Axel, where they can be viewed in person during opening hours and collected immediately after purchase. Art is not normally shipped as a standard parcel. Depending on the dimensions, materials and value, we arrange either a personal handover or specialised art transport to ensure that the work reaches you in optimal condition. After a reservation or purchase, we will always contact you to coordinate transport and handover carefully.