Viruses and Microorganisms Emerge from Agnes Hansella’s Macramé Installations and Sculptures

“Under the Skin,” iron frame, manila rope, goni rope, sisal rope, and raffia rope, 570 x 425 centimeters. All images © Agnes Hansella, shared with permission

In a Time Magazine article published during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientist Elizabeth Fischer describes viruses and their aptness for destruction. She refers to their “beautiful symmetry,” adding, “they’re not malicious in and of themselves. They’re just doing what they do.” This straightforward statement contrasts much public sentiment centered on the overwhelming fear and grief and is the basis for a new body of work by Jakarta-based artist Agnes Hansella (previously).

Recently on view alongside pieces by Mulyana (previously) at NA Arthouse, Hansella’s macramé installation and sculptures magnify the tiny world of microorganisms through fiber. The nearly six-meter “Under My Skin” hung at the entrance of the show, creating an intricate curtain of knotted and looped rope mimicking the epidermis. A large hoop evoking a microscope lens stood nearby, with Mulyana’s crocheted bacteria clinging to the loose net of threads.

Inside the gallery were several sculptures of phages, a tall navicula, and the infamous coronavirus. Two wall pieces spill out from their white frames, creating textured topographies of organic forms that appear to grow outward. “I want to explore microorganisms and viruses in (their) beauty to remind myself that we are part of a complex world, and getting close to these small unseen things helps me value simple everyday actions more, as simple as breathing,” Hansella shares.

For more of the artist’s elaborate rope-based works, visit her site and Instagram.

“Navicula,” iron frame, cotton rope, and pompoms, 60 x 150 centimeters

Detail of “Under the Skin,” iron frame, manila rope, goni rope, sisal rope, and raffia rope, 570 x 425 centimeters

“First of the Gang,” cotton rope, velvet, synthetic rope, raffia, wool, and nylon, 155 x 175 centimeters

“Corona,” iron frame, cotton rope, and pompoms, 60 x 60 centimeters

“Corona,” iron frame, cotton rope, and pompoms, 60 x 60 centimeters

“Something in the Air,” cotton rope, velvet, synthetic rope, raffia, wool, and nylon, 200 x 190 centimeters

“Phage,” iron frame and cotton rope, 32 x 50 centimeters

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