Conceptual Materials Social Practice Artist
Step into Beyond: Tapestry Expanded and experience Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, a powerful visual statement on resilience and protection. Crafted from commercial fishing nets and black zip ties, these striking ladders symbolize the climb out of racial gaslighting and into self-empowerment.
Exhibition Dates: August 26- December 15Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” is now open at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN! This exhibition, running until December 8, 2024, is an exploration of contemporary tapestry and textile art, pushing the boundaries of this age-old medium into new realms of creativity and expression. My work Blackity Black Blanket Ladders has been included in the exhibition.
“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” features a diverse range of artists who are reimagining tapestry through innovative materials, techniques, and concepts. From large-scale woven installations to mixed-media pieces that blend textiles with unexpected elements, the works in this exhibition challenge traditional notions of what tapestry can be. The show is not just about weaving threads; it’s about weaving ideas, histories, and contemporary issues into the fabric of art.
Visitors can expect to see works that explore themes such as identity, memory, social justice, and the environment. Each piece tells a unique story, inviting viewers to engage in a deeper conversation about the role of textile art in today’s world.
“Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of Erica Warren, the exhibition’s curator. Erica has spent countless hours thoughtfully curating this show, writing an insightful essay for the accompanying catalog, designing the exhibition layout, and installing the works. Her efforts have created a truly immersive experience for visitors, offering a fresh perspective on what tapestry can be. Thank you for your hard work on all of this.
The exhibition also benefited from the expertise of jurors Jade Yumang and Alexa Griffith Winton, who juried my work into the show. They have also contributed their own essays to the catalog, adding depth and context to the exhibition.
To explore these essays and learn more about all the artists and their work, you can order a copy of the catalog here.
I encourage everyone to visit the gallery and participate in the Curatorial Talk by Erica Warren on Tuesday, September 10, at 4:30 pm Eastern. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the curator about her vision for the exhibition, the selection process, and the themes explored in the works on display. Come experience “Beyond: Tapestry Expanded” in person at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center, located at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN.
Beyond: Tapestry Expanded is an ATA-sponsored and organized exhibition featuring work by artists who explore the expansive properties of tapestry weaving. Using the definition of tapestry as a nonfunctional, handwoven pictorial structure, artists included in the exhibition combined both hand and digital processes, using non-traditional materials, to create three-dimensional forms or multi-media components. Curated by Erica Warren and co-juried by Jade Yumang and Alexa Griffith Winton, the exhibition includes work from the following artists:
Abbey Muza, Anne Wilson, Bryana Bibbs, Christina Forrer, Christy Matson, Crystal Gregory, Danielle Andress, Diana Guerrero-Macia, Dianna Frid, Hope Wang, Janice Lessman-Moss, Jacqueline Surdell, Jovencio de la Paz, kg gnatowski, Kira Dominguez Hultgren, Lia Cook, Marianne Fairbanks, Melissa Leandro, Olivia Valentine, Olive Stefanski, Qualeasha Wood, Susie Taylor, Tanya Aguiñiga, Yasmin Spiro, C. Pazia Mannella, Constanza Camila Kramer Garfias, Jacobo Alonso, Jennifer Robertson, Kate Nartker, Linda Sok, Rose Dickson, Sarah Stefana Smith, Theda Sandiford, Wlodzimierz Cygan, and Xia Gao.
Please save the date for the curatorial talk on Tuesday, September 10 at 4:30 pm at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center. The talk is open to the public. ATA is developing additional virtual programming in October and November—more details to follow.