Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is featuring a collection of fiber artwork in an upcoming exhibition, “Stitched, Woven and Hooked,” on display from March 1 through June 15, 2024. There will be a public reception on Friday, March 1, from 5-8 PM (central).
The fiber arts movement of the 60s and 70s took place alongside the Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, and Anti-War movements and was clearly inspired by those revolutionary times. Many artists working in fiber were also activists pushing for social change and social justice like the extraordinary Faith Ringgold and Emma Amos. Those who identified as fiber artists were mainly women whose chosen medium, up to that point, had been devalued by the patriarchy and characterized as “women’s work” or craft rather than fine art. Together these revolutionary artists reclaimed the power of the needle and made space to share their stories, their experiences, and their masterful artworks in the Western fine art canon.
Janet Bloch, LCA’s executive director said, “This work is powerful in its revelation of each artist’s personal history and identity. The needle work gives the art a domestic presence that feels intimate.”
Artists showing in the exhibition include Melissa Blount, Dorothy Burg, Jessica Campbell, Shannon Downey, Laurel Izard, kg, Krystle Lemonias, Hattie Lee Mendoza, José Santiago Pérez, Shaqui Reed and Galina Shevchenko.
"This exhibition showcases extraordinary work by an intersectional group of artists who employ a broad range of materials and techniques including traditional quilt making, basket weaving, and embroidery, to new digital techniques and other contemporary material play. Anyone visiting is sure to be inspired by the range of ideas, approaches and materials!" said LCA’s new curator, Whitney Bradshaw.
Today many fiber artists, still largely women, choose to make autobiographical work about their identities, family histories and cultural traditions. The artists included in this exhibition research, collect, combine, reimagine, reuse and revisit historical and contemporary textiles and fiber techniques. The materials and objects they employ hold personal significance and draw on individual and collective memory to convey personal narratives, often challenging power dynamics and concepts related to identity. In their work, the personal is political.
Free, public events taking place during the run of “Stitched, Woven and Hooked” include:
- Opening Reception on Friday, March 1 from 5-8 p.m. (Central)
- Gallery Talk on Saturday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. (Central)
Free gallery tours are available for small groups and organizations. To schedule a docent-led tour, contact Janet Bloch at jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org. To schedule a children's tour, contact Nelsy Marcano at nmarcano@lubeznikcenter.org.
About Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides access to compelling exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary ideas. The organization is located at 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront in Michigan City, Ind. Admission is free year-round. For more information about LCA, please visit www.LubeznikCenter.org.
Image credits:
Hattie Lee Mendoza, Effervescent Connections, Custom fabric printed from gouache paintings, caned chair seat, vintage beaded necklace, embroidery thread, costume gem, acrylic, beaded necklace gifted by Linda Jason, embroidery hoop, 18" x 18", 2020
José Santiago Pérez, Un/Burden (so you may reunite), Sculpture (basketry), 28”L x 17”H x 15”W, 2020
Jessica Campbell, Man Cave Decoration (Collection Shelf 1), yarn, glue, collaged carpet, polyurethane foam, edging, seam tape, carwash mitts, 23"H x 47"W, 2022