Fiber Art mon amour

Today we are going to talk about Fiber Art. That very special kind of art which we have the privilege to experience first hand every day, even if we are only backstage.

This kind of art can create decor items or, as is the case most of the times, can be strictly conceptual. In other words, it is an incredibly vast universe in which one can let their imagination flow, as well as a type of art that has always allured women, also playing an important role in the history of feminism. Textile fiber can create a perfect marriage between past and future. I believe there is no union more successful than the one in which past is not forgotten but you live with a foot into the future, in the incessant experimentation and exploration of the unknown.

Fiber Sculpture: 1960 – Present

The Fiber Sculpture: 1960 – Present exhibition, organized by The Institute of Contemporary Art/ Boston  and now hosted at the Des Moines Art Center in Iowa (until August 2nd), is the first exhibition in over 40 years exploring the complex and unusual development of Fiber Art. Techniques, materials and expressive forms parade in front of the visitors in this gallery of works of art by the most celebrated representatives of this art form. Thirty-three internationally-known artists have taken part in this exhibition. Among them are Sheila Hicks, Lenore Tawney, Xenobia Bailey, Claire Zeisler, Diane Itter, Faith Wilding, Olga de Amaral, just to name a few. An increndible journey among textile sculptures, tapestries, huge crochets, cascades of multi-colored threads.

Fiber Sculpture: 1960 – Present

This is an exhibition that I would love to be able to visit in person, live. However, even just by looking at the images which I am including in this article and by looking the many reviews available on the Internet, there is something one can easily infer: fiber can be as resistant as iron, as tame as bamboo, or flowing like water. It is exactly thanks to these characteristics which fiber, especially natural fiber, has brilliantly lived through many centuries as an excellent companion to humankind. It has kept us warm and cozy, it has given us home decor and amazing works of art.

As it often happens with my short articles, let me say that also this short post is just a starting point, which I hope will make you want to find out more about the subject. Good bye from your tireless Argonaut from DHG, always looking for treats to offer you – textile or not!

Des Moines Art Center Iowa

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