Weaving Studio: Chantelle Folarin

Chantelle Folarin presents a Weaving Studio as part of Ikon’s exhibition Thread the Loom (25 June – 7 September 2025). 

Folarin is one of five West Midlands weavers who operate an AVL Studio Dobby loom, on loan from Birmingham City University (BCU), establishing a functioning weaving workshop and producing original textiles. The micro-residencies champion a ‘learning by doing’ approach, through which visitors can observe, engage with and participate in traditional and contemporary art and craft practices. Full schedule available here. 

This exhibition is supported by Jerwood Foundation, Cotton Textiles Research Trust, The Saintbury Trust and Freelands Foundation. 

About the artist

Chantelle Folarin is a visual artist and graduate of BCU’s Textile Design programme. Her practice explores the intersection of traditional textile techniques and contemporary art, incorporating constructed textiles, print, collage and embroidery. She is interested in material experimentation, repurposing found and unused objects to create tactile, visually engaging works that invite personal interpretation. 

Folarin is a Director of Glue Collective, a cooperative of artists and community workers based in Birmingham, seeking to address social, health and economic challenges in their local community.