Chrysopoeia / ‘Last Man Standing’
Worn yet resilient, torn but still holding, this piece echoes the remnants of a long-fought battle. Its frayed edges speak of struggle, of moments when the weight seemed unbearable, yet it remains—stitched together by defiance, by an unyielding force that refuses to dissolve into nothingness.
And so, even in this aftermath, there is hope. Hope in survival. Hope in transformation. Hope in the alchemy of persistence, where even tattered remains can become something new, something golden.
‘Last Man Standing’ is part of the series Chrysopoeia .
This series is the outcome of a long and intense process of experimentation, applying a complex electrochemical technique to ‘transmute’ fabric into copper, in an unprecedented use of the method. The journey involved countless trials and innovative approaches, pushing the boundaries of traditional textile art, previously unexplored in the field of textiles.
Bio

Munich-born and Rome-based for over 25 years, Tania Welz’s work explores the dynamic interplay of fabrics and materials, transformed through fire, water, and chemical processes.
Her distinctive technique merges modest materials with luxurious textiles, highlighting the potential for rebirth and renewal within decay. This juxtaposition underscores the ongoing transformation in her work, where materials shift states to represent the fluidity of existence.
Welz’s art has been exhibited internationally, including in China, Germany, the UAE, and the United States. In 2023, she held the solo exhibition Oltre Confine at the Museum Castromediano in Lecce, Italy.
Her accolades include the 4th International Emerging Artist Award in Dubai and the Huacui Museum Special Prize (Arte Laguna Prize, 19th edition, 2024), which granted her an artist residency at the Huacui Contemporary Art Museum in Shanghai, China.
Her work is part of both private and public collections, including a commissioned piece for the Dutch railway network ProRail and a long-term loan at the Castromediano Museum in Lecce.
Tania Welz continues her practice from her studio in central Rome.