Meet Aheneah | Textile Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aheneah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aheneah, how do you think about risk?
I discovered my passion for textiles and outdoor installations during my undergrad years, and I just went for it. It wasn’t a calculated plan—more like, “Why not?” At that point, I didn’t have much to lose, so I saw it as a chance to figure out where this path could take me.
Since then, risk-taking has been a constant in my career. I’m drawn to exploring what’s not expected or obvious, and that curiosity is at the core of my work. Textiles in unexpected spaces? Sure. Materials that defy their limits? Let’s try it.
When I hit my first creative block, I decided to travel to Japan for three months alone to find a fresh perspective. Later, I moved continents to start a master’s degree in New York because I knew I needed a shift. Risk-taking is rarely comfortable—it’s scary most of the time—but it’s also how I grow and feel fully alive. I think it’s less about being fearless and more about trusting that even if it’s messy, it’s worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up surrounded by textiles. My grandmothers were my first teachers, introducing me to embroidery and showing me how much a simple thread can do. It wasn’t until undergrad that I realized textiles had so much more potential than I’d ever imagined—and I started questioning why they’re often seen as fragile or stuck in domestic spaces.
At the same time, I got into graffiti, which brought this rebellious energy to my work. It sparked something in me—how could materials and techniques break free from their traditional boxes? What if the motion of an arm could turn into a full body experience? That mix of tradition and breaking rules is where my practice really took off.

The more I dive into textiles, the more I’m blown away by their versatility. A stone might crack under pressure, but a textile? It stretches, shifts, and adapts. It’s everywhere—from the couch I sit on while writing, to the flag on the moon.

My work is all about breaking down the limitations placed on textiles while staying grounded in their rich history. I work a lot with large-scale public installations, where I use textiles in outdoor spaces to create totally unexpected experiences. Through this, I want to flip the narrative—from fragile to strong, and spark new discussions about how textiles have shaped our past and where they can go next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were visiting, I’d start by showing them my favorite neighborhood, Park Slope, which just so happens to be where I live. We’d wander through Prospect Park (maybe spot some dogs at the dog beach!) and visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Then, we’d head to Dumbo for Rabbit Noodles and soak in the view of the downtown skyline. A stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge would lead us to Manhattan for stops at R&Company, Almine Rech, and David Zwirner galleries. We’d end the day with a Broadway show and a Shake Shack bun in Bryant Park.
The next day, we’d hit the MET (especially the Islamic art collection), or maybe Museo del Barrio or Salon 94 gallery. Lunch would be an Italian sandwich from All’Antico Vinaio enjoyed in Central Park. Afterward, we’d explore the Garment District for textiles or quirky jewelry in Broadway shops. To wrap up, we’d explore the Lower East Side—Toy Tokyo, Assembly, Perrotin Gallery—and finish with dinner at Kiki’s for incredible tzatziki or Café Habana for cheesy corn.
Finally, Williamsburg would be the vibe. We’d visit MoMA PS1 (hello, James Turrell room!) and Carvalho Park gallery, then head to Greenpoint for Taku Sando’s Japanese egg sandwiches and Yoseka Stationery’s dreamy supplies. The day would end with the Brooklyn Museum, a burger at Emily’s, and a cold Portuguese beer at High Dive Bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve the first shoutout. They dedicated everything to raising me grounded to the point I’m now always plotting my next big, slightly unrealistic move. My brother Pedro is my go-to for when life seems like a bad plot—he’s been holding my hand since my childhood nightmares. Then there’s my friend Maria, who’s basically my emotional chaos partner. Together, we’ve mastered the art of laughing and crying in the same breath. The women in my family—my great-grandmother and grandmothers—who made me question why “strength” isn’t the default adjective for women. And finally, my life partner, João, who I haven’t yet figured out whether he’s my personal cheerleader, my dream team member, or both.

Website: https://www.aheneah.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aheneah

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aheneah-ana-martins-b708b7124/