Languages of Fiber: Exhibition Statement
Languages of Fiber: Highlighting Latin American artists
Exhibition Statement
Latin American artists residing in the Washington area explore contemporary fiber media. This vibrant exhibition show cast distinctive approaches to Fiber Art influenced by the diverse cultures of Latin America. Viewers are invited to examine how each artist utilizes texture through a variety of media.
Contemporary Fiber Art is beyond craft. Craft is a mastery of materials and techniques to produce an object by hand adding the intention and imagination of the maker. The craft maker knows what he/she can do, but a true artist pursues the unknown. This exhibition explores the infinite potential of fiber art.
Artists:
Maria Luisa Benavides, Costa Rica; Teresa Camacho Hull, Bolivia; Felisa Federman, Argentina; Magaly Garza, Mexico; Cristina Montero and Francisca Oviedo, Chile; Sandra Perez-Ramos, Puerto Rico; Roxana Rojas Luzon, Peru.
What is Fiber Art?
Fiber art is a style of fine art that utilizes textiles, which have been a fundamental part of human life since the beginning of civilization. The word textile is from Latin textere which means “to weave, to braid or to construct”. There are many methods of production, including sewing, weaving and embroidery, or even covering the surface of a textile with decorative pictures. Textile art may be a rug, a wall hanging, an item of clothing, or even a sculpture.
Contemporary Fiber Art refers to fine art that focuses on the materials, the artists' labor and the resulting works’ aesthetic significance over utility. The 1960s and 70s brought an international revolution in fiber art beyond weaving; fiber structures were created through knotting, twining, plaiting, coiling, pleating, lashing, interlacing, and even braiding. Artists explored the qualities of fibers to develop works that could be hung or free standing, two or three dimensional, flat or volumetric, many stories high or miniature, non objective or figurative, and representational or fantasy.
