Hooked on Tessellation – Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design

Hooked on Tessellation

Tessellation….yes, it’s not a common word. Yet….we see examples of it all around us.

Almost always, when we walk on a tiled floor, we are treading on a tessellation. The simplest floor tilings or tessellations are created by repeating the same shape over and over again, covering the floor without gaps or overlaps. Artists use geometry to create tiles with unique shapes.

About 50 Cape Breton rug hookers took on the challenge of creating almost 100 unique pieces that showcase tessellation. We didn’t have to look far for inspiration because tartans and many quilt patterns, so familiar to Cape Bretoners, are forms of tessellation. The exhibit includes new tessellations of fish, birds, flowers and leaves; there is even a beehive. Also featured are adaptations of the ancient mosaics which inspired Dutch graphic artist MC Escher who, in turn, influenced our rug hookers.

Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Centre’s Loft.

Hooked on Tessellation will be on display from September 14 – October 31, 2017. This is a once-in-a-lifetime unique opportunity to experience the meeting of fibre art, geometry, and Cape Breton culture.