Yamuna Forzani

Yamuna Forzani (*1993, England) is a multidisciplinary artist and queer activist based in the Netherlands. A graduate of the Textile & Fashion department at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, Forzani's work seamlessly merges fashion, photography, dance, installation, and social design. At the core of her practice is a celebration of LGBTQI+ culture, with an emphasis on creating joyful, empowering spaces that honor and uplift her community. Her art, vibrant and deeply rooted in activism, aims to foster environments where queer expression can thrive.

Artistic Vision and Practice

Forzani’s creative journey is deeply intertwined with the ballroom scene, where she is a member of the Kiki House of Angels in Rotterdam and an international member of New York's legendary House of Comme des Garçons. Her work radiates the colourful, dynamic spirit of this culture through textile art, public performances, and large-scale installations. Known for her use of industrial knitting techniques like 3D and jacquard knitting, she transforms textiles into couture garments and bold tapestries that serve as both art and backdrops for her events. These tactile creations bring her vision of a queer utopia to life, blending art and activism in a harmonious, celebratory expression of identity.

Textiles play a central role in Forzani’s practice, developed in collaboration with Tilburg's Textile Museum. By experimenting with knitted textiles, she weaves together narratives of community, identity, and belonging. Her works invite sensual interaction, inviting viewers to engage with their rich textures and tactile forms. Through these pieces, Forzani builds both physical and metaphorical spaces where the queer community can gather, be seen, and celebrated.

Notable Projects and Events

One of Forzani's most significant projects is the Utopia Ball x Fashion Show, which she organizes annually. This event fuses fashion, ballroom culture, and social design, creating a joyful, inclusive platform that merges artistic expression with community activism. In 2022, Forzani’s impact was recognized when she won the Dutch Design Award for Fashion, a testament to her dedication to social change through art.

For Rotterdam Pride, Forzani created a large-scale installation titled Embrace Change, displayed prominently on Coolsingel. This colourful and vibrant piece celebrated queer culture while also sparking reflection on the ongoing need for social progress. Forzani's ability to blend personal experience with broader cultural commentary has positioned her as a bold, empowering voice in both the art and activist communities.

Education

• Royal Academy of Art, The Hague – Textile & Fashion Department

Collections

• TextielMuseum, Tilburg
• Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
• Stedelijk Museum, Schiedam
• Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem

On Now

• Museum Jan, Amstelveen
• Design Museum Den Bosch | Sept - Feb