Curator Lotte Johnson explores the Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art exhibition at the Barbican. The concept of the transformative power of textiles is at the forefront in the Dezeen-produced video. The exhibition takes visitors through an artful experience of how textiles are used to explore a wide array of themes from power, gender, oppression, and belonging.
The Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art show features over 100 pieces of work that are collected from over 50 artists globally and crafted from the 60s until the present day. Johnson speaks about the installation, stating "Textiles are one of the most under-examined mediums in art history and in fact history itself. They are an intrinsic part of our everyday lives. When we're born, we're shrouded in a piece of fabric. Everyday we wrap ourselves in textiles. They're really this very intimate, tactile part of our lives and therefore perhaps the most intrinsic, meaningful way to express ourselves."
Politically Artful Textile Shows
Barbican Hosts Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art
Trend Themes
1. Textile Innovations in Art - Exploration of new artistic expressions through textiles offers opportunities for innovative storytelling and sensory experiences.
2. Global Collaboration in Textile Art - Collaborating with artists worldwide to create textile art pieces opens up avenues for diverse cultural influences and creativity.
3. Textile Narratives on Societal Issues - Utilizing textiles to address societal themes like power dynamics and identity sparks conversations and provokes reflections.
Industry Implications
1. Art Galleries and Museums - Embracing textile-based art exhibitions can attract a broader audience and enrich the cultural offerings of galleries and museums.
2. Fashion and Design - Incorporating textile techniques inspired by art installations can lead to unique and socially conscious fashion collections with a narrative touch.
3. Education and Workshops - Integrating textile workshops focused on addressing social issues can enhance creative learning experiences and foster meaningful conversations among participants.