Life is Theatre
The Belgian born Photographer Wouter Deruytter is an international artist who lives and works in New York. His work offers a view into worlds not usually opened to us. Always on the lookout for adventure, he likes to see himself as a modern day Tintin, photographing his experiences along the way. In his photographs Mr Deruytter tries to find both the extreme and the intimate of these private communities. He tries to tell us that it is possible to exist outside the grand happening of things, that although always changing, people can live outside the times they live in. The Arabian Knights series taken between 1996-1997 is a superb example of this approach. Here he travelled to the United Arab Emirates; giving us a unique and very human insight into the mythical world of the Arabian people, dignitaries and Royal family. Mr Deruytter approached us as part of his solo "Life is Theatre" exhibition to reproduce two photographs from the Arabian Knights series "Princes and Dignitaries" and "At the Royal Wedding." The artist explains:
'We had more than 10,000 visitors in one month in this small city... the quality of the rugs impressed everyone, even myself and the museum directors'
The artists original photograph Sharjah, U.A.E.: Princes and Dignitaries, 1996. © Wouter Deruytter
Sharjah, U.A.E.: Princes and Dignitaries in rug form. Exhibited in the "Ridderzaal" (The Hall of the Knights) in Castle Rumbekem, Roeselare as part of “Life is Theatre.” © Wouter Deruytter 2013
'The reason why I accept my Arabian Knights images in tapestry is because tapestry/carpets go well with the Arabian Culture and the region's heritage. My first thoughts came when I was offered the "Ridderzaal" (Hall of the Knights) in Castle Rumbekem in Roeselare to hang my work. Tapestry was the highest luxury in the past; more than owning a castle. There was a beautiful sixteenth century tapestry hanging in that space so I was inspired to balance that amazing antique tapestry with two of mine.'
Castle Rumbeken, Roeselare
The artist with both tapestries in the "Ridderzaal" (Hall of the Knights) in Castle Rumbekem © Wouter Deruytter 2013
The final pieces were an incredible 3 meters in size and used a luxurious hand tufted New Zealand Wool quality with a pile weight of 5kg per meter; a very dense cloth was used in order to achieve the most beautiful and sensitive reproduction of Mr Deruytter's stunning photographs so the overall pieces had a weight of 8kg per meter per rug. The artist explains how he found Rug Couture and the working process:
'God Bless Google! We were able to do everything over the internet without meeting in person. Both the budget and timescale Rug Couture offered fit my needs perfectly as they were able to make them within a budget I could afford. Actually I was able to make two tapestries for the budget I had in mind of one! I was very satisfied. I thought I would have to travel to India to supervise and approve the tapestries. But great communication with Rug Couture which included digital images made it possible for me to remain within my budget and still make adjustments to get the quality and final product I wanted. And I got it! I had to trust the company. The digital images sent made me feel better and allowed me to make small corrections.'
The final graph of Sharjah, U.A.E.: Princes and Dignitaries from which the rugs were made.
Sharjah, U.A.E.: Princes and Dignitaries as a finished rug prior to being taken off it’s frame.
Hanging work of this value and scale was of the utmost importance. The artist "specified to have overlaps added to the top so that they could be hung using a steel bar." The rugs themselves weighed around 55kgs each so the canvas loops had to be sturdy to take the weight of the entire rug.
Hanging work of this value and scale was of the utmost importance. The artist "specified to have overlaps added to the top so that they could be hung using a steel bar." The rugs themselves weighed around 55kgs each so the canvas loops had to be sturdy to take the weight of the entire rug.
'We had more than 10,000 visitors in one month in this small city. Everybody was most impressed by the tapestries. Not just the perfect scale in that unique space. but also the subject that went well with the medium. And the quality of the rugs impressed everyone, even myself.'
The Private view of 'Life is Theatre'.
The Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.: At the Royal Wedding (I), 1997 rug. © Wouter Deruytter