Artists

Threads: Contemporary Textiles & the Social Fabric | 1 October 2011 – 5 February 2012 | GOMA | Free admission

The Gallery actively collects and exhibits textiles from throughout the region and, in doing so, engages with communities who have not traditionally been a focus for art museums. In this exhibition, more than 40 works by 31 artists and 4 collectives feature, ranging from a majestic 22-metre barkcloth and large-scale quilts to intimate garments, bags and weavings.

These works were created by artists from several generations, for many reasons: as clothing, to decorate homes and sites of worship, to define a ceremony, and as important expressions of cultural heritage. Increasingly, textiles such as these are also made for sale on the international art market, and in many cases provide vital economic independence for individuals and communities.

‘Threads’ explores the ways in which these artists deal with changing ideas of place and community, the introduction of new materials and techniques, the continuing importance of local flora and natural environments, and the creative reworking of memory and history.

Artists Featured

Aline Amaru | Gussie Bento | Hariyaben Utmabhai Bhanani | Ia Vang | Kulupu Falenhanga ‘i Teleiloa | Laos Textiles | Kay Lawrence | Tesji Dhana and Samat Tesji Marwada | Tekauvai Teariki Monga | Rabari artisans | Tiljala Panchanna Gram Mahila Samiti Society | Wang Jin | attrib. Nurdin Wenda | Robin White