Foresteria
The Words Weaver
Yanis Miltgen creates tapestries by weaving fragments of old books. The aesthetic act is transformed into a gesture of memory and reflection. Each book chosen is a fragment of the past, a witness to stories and meanings destined to vanish in the digital age. Through the transformation of these objects, the artist reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and keeping alive the voices that have shaped our collective identity.
The technique of weaving, with each strip of paper and each word reassembled, becomes a tangible symbol of the connection between different eras. This process highlights the non-linearity of memory, the complex web of human experiences that intersect over time. The resulting tapestry is a metaphor for continuity: the threads of the past intertwine with those of the present, creating a shared narrative.
In a world where information is ephemeral and personal stories can be quickly forgotten, Yanis proposes an act of resistance against forgetting. Each of his works becomes an invitation to reflect on our relationship with history, to ask ourselves which narratives are neglected and what impact this has on our consciousness.
His creations do not merely evoke the past: they become spaces of dialogue, in which the observer is urged to recognise the value of every experience handed down. Thus, by interweaving words and memories, the artist invites us to actively engage with our roots, to listen to those who have been forgotten and to recognise that every narrative, however small, contributes to the grand mosaic of humanity.
Yanis Miltgen is a 24 luxemburgish textile and embroidery designer. At 22 years old and a graduate of Atelier Chardon Savard in Paris, he created his first fashion collection titled "histoire d’une vie," which earned him international accolades, such as the "Les d (eux) mains" award from the Comité Colbert in December 2023 and the prestigious Hand & Lock Prize in London in November 2023.
After a period of reflection, he decides to explore interior design and create artworks displayed in galleries. He creates two fully embroidered sculptures for the Hôtel Le Meurice on the occasion of the Paris Olympic Games in July 2024. In October 2024, he represents Luxembourg at Paris Fashion Week with his dress "The Time Lace Dress." That same year, he receives the award for craft creation. In December 2024, he wins the Start-up Prize from the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg’s Foundation, an award that allows him to benefit from a grant for the realization of his life-size artwork, "The Tree of Life," which will be exclusively presented at the Révélations fair in May 2025.
Passionate about art in general, particularly what relates to classicism and architecture, he advocates for a respect for traditions in his creations. However, he has chosen to push his "art to the extreme" by adding a touch of modernity through a special focus on materials and volume. He promotes the use of unconventional products in his creations, such as metal, to structure his works. His preferred themes are nature, architecture, time, and imagination. He constantly tries to create a sort of utopia that will inspire dreams in those who contemplate his work. His goal is for his creations to be vehicles of emotions.