Mammoth Flax Installation Stuns New Museum

Czech artist Klara Hodsnedlova has unveiled a striking four-story installation crafted from flax, hemp, and intricate embroidery, christening the atrium stairway of the New Museum's expansion. Her work, inspired by her homeland, features hand-dyed organic fibers and cast-glass talons that recall ancient fossils.

The monumental piece, which cascades down four floors, marks Hodsnedlova's significant U.S. debut after notable European exhibitions. The artist views her installations as landscapes, creating immersive environments for the body to explore.

Hodsnedlova's practice is deeply rooted in Czech traditions, though her work often blends industrial and natural elements, leading to descriptions like 'utopian' or 'dystopian'. She draws inspiration from socialist-era public sculptures and her own childhood encounters with art.

Her collaboration with local artisans, including her uncle and Lhotsey Studio for glass elements, highlights a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. The installation's scale and the new gallery space are considered a fortunate pairing by the museum's senior curator.