Alfhild Sarah Külper

Alfhild Külper

Alfhild Külper (*1982, Sweden) is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With a background in avant-garde fashion and textile art, Külper explores the emotional and tactile dimensions of materiality. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, she spent a decade as Head of Design at Viktor & Rolf before establishing her independent practice in 2021. Her work combines traditional tufting techniques with 3D embroidery, transforming industrial textile waste into abstracted landscapes of memory and emotion.

Külper is committed to sustainability, working primarily with leftover wool from textile industries in India, Nepal, and the Netherlands. By merging traditional textile methods with contemporary design, she breathes new life into discarded materials. Her practice incorporates hand-tufting, embroidery, and sculptural techniques to create immersive, tactile works that evoke joy, nostalgia, and healing. Külper’s process is deeply intuitive, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the resilience of textile as a medium.

Through her innovative approach, Külper crafts delicate yet bold pieces that blur the lines between art, design, and storytelling. Her work embodies softness—both as a physical sensation and a philosophical concept—offering viewers a moment of refuge in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. Her commitment to material exploration and emotional resonance places her at the forefront of contemporary textile art.

Külper’s works have been exhibited internationally and featured in renowned galleries and design fairs. She has been highlighted in publications such as Financial Times, The Sunday Times, PIN-UP, Surface, Wired, Architectural Digest, and more.

Education

• Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London – Bachelor of Arts, First Class Honours (2007–2011)

• Tillskärarakademien, Stockholm, Sweden – School of Tailoring and Textiles, Pass with Distinction (2005–2006)