Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting
dal 24/1/2007 al 16/6/2007
Segnalato da
24/1/2007
Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting
Museum of Arts & Design - MAD, New York
Work by 27 international artists using fiber in unexpected and unorthodox ways. Works that ranges from microknit garments to large-scale, site-specific installations. Artists employ a variety of media, from traditional yarns and laces, to found objects and video, and explore contemporary currents in art practice of socially engaged, participatory work.
Group Show
A provocative and timely exhibition of work by international artists using fiber in unexpected and unorthodox ways, Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting illuminates a field of creative practice that is fresh, surprising, and engaging. Featuring 27 artists from seven countries, this exhibition will exhibit work that ranges from Althea Merback's microknit garments (1:144 scale) to large-scale, site-specific installations. Artists employ a variety of media, from traditional yarns and laces, to found objects and video, and explore contemporary currents in art practice of socially engaged, participatory work.
Radical reformers in the world of knitting and lace making have overthrown the status quo from the inside out. In the space of ten years, knitting has emerged from the “loving hands at home" hobbyist’s den into museums and galleries worldwide. Knitting clubs meet in cities from San Francisco to Stockholm, while interactive knitting “performances" have been held in as seemingly unlikely places as the London Underground. Artist Sabrina Gschwandtner turned the traditional knitting circle into an art event at the KnitKnit Sundown Salon, organizing installations and performances, and encouraging participation by all visitors. Lace has been transformed from a decorative accessory into architectural installations and massive sculptures by artists such as Janet Echelman, whose monumental knotted pieces are designed to shift in form according to the winds.
The artists in this exhibition are experimenting with forms and techniques in the most novel and surprising ways, exploring new relationships between structure, design, color, and pattern. Yoshiki Hishinuma uses industrial knitting machines to create 3-dimensional free-form sculptures, some of which are also wearable. Industrial designer Niels van Eijk has used lace techniques to create a lamp out of optical fibers.
Many use materials and techniques to examine pressing contemporary issues of globalization and the environment, in addition to exploring personal questions of identity and sexuality. Cat Mazza's Knitoscope is computer software that translates video images into "knitted" images to educate about sweatshop labor. Freddie Robins's Craft Kills installation is a self-portrait that plays with our notions of craft as a passive activity.
Museum of Arts & Design
40 West 53rd Street New York USA
Open Daily 10 am - 6 pm Thursdays ; 10 am - 8 pm
Admission: $9.00 for adults $7.00 for students and seniors