About Els

An artistic exploration rooted in textiles, space, color, and human stories.

Artistic Journey & Education

Drawn to scraps of fabric even as a child, Renate Els Aerts was already building miniature houses out of textiles. During her later teacher training, there was only one day of the week she truly looked forward to: art education. As this was her elective subject, it offered her the opportunity to immerse herself further into visual arts. Recognizing her natural affinity for textiles, her teacher encouraged her to pursue that direction.

She went on to study textile art for several years at the Municipal Craft School of Antwerp, while also learning drawing and painting at various art academies. Independent workshops and private mentors provided her with essential technical foundations.

In 1992, chronic illness forced her to retire from teaching. However, a creative silver lining quickly emerged: her dedicated studio work.

Renate Els Aerts sculpting in her studio
Els constructing a wooden house sculpture outside

Evolution of Style & Materials

By 1993, Els discovered a compelling dialogue between space, color, textiles, and paint. She began creating textile paintings where relief—plaiting, folds, and appliqués—complemented color. Over time, her compositions became more restrained, allowing the texture of the fabrics to take center stage. Embracing digital technology, she began incorporating computer prints directly into her textiles. Soon, her work stepped off the wall entirely, evolving into three-dimensional sculptures and light objects crafted with silk fibers, ropes, and mixed fabrics.

A fortuitous gift—a handloom passed along by a passerby needing space—ignited a new passion for installation art. She began weaving meters of fabric using diverse materials to construct houses, tents, and shelters. These spaces enclose internal worlds echoing thematic narratives, integrated with sound montages, video, and written word.

Collaborations & Projects

Through Beyond Fashion, an Antwerp gallery and studio, Els connected with fashion and conceptual design under the brand label streA. Events such as "Black Sunday" and art box exhibitions led to her performance work "Firmin en Hortense". A project with the women's organization VESTA unlocked new thematic directions, leading her to create interactive street art installations.

In 2006, she began sharing a studio with her partner Kristof, an instrument builder. This period marked a return to painting, embedding photographs of her installations into wall panels. Collaborating with Autisme Centraal, she co-spearheaded 'Autistrade', a project where nearly one hundred individuals on the autism spectrum crafted small houses as self-portraits. In 2015, Els expanded her medium into ceramics and sculptural stoneware.

Els with an outdoor interactive textile installation

Exhibitions