Textile Art Weekend

Travel

Feb 21

Written By

Happy Sunday!

Yesterday I went to the local cultural center to visit two exhibitions that I just couldn't miss. Both exhibitions can be found in the center, in one of the most beautiful buildings of town. It is one of my favorite places. Built in traditional hacienda style, this space is the window to history and a serene oasis with orange trees, fountain and beautiful vegetation.

As soon as I saw the name of the first exhibition - HILOS ("threads" in Spanish) - I knew I had to see it. Though I definitely wasn't prepared to see what I did. Artist Lena Bartula was inspired by Huipil, the traditional square-cut Mexican hand-woven and decorated with embroidery blouse. The artist used this ancient tradition and adapted it to the contemporary reality - the materials, form and the message. It is the exhibition that brings the awareness to the over-consumption, fast and cruel fashion, our habits to take everything that we have for granted. I thought to share with you some of these pieces.

"365 4 2015". "I made a commitment to create a huipil a day..."

"Unzipped". "This huipil is a tribute to all women and men who have found their voices and encouragement for those who haven't." The shape of the traditional huipil and the important message inside each zipper.

"Transparency". "As transparencies, they expose the threads that consistently run through my work: truth, beauty, justice, spirit... "

"Corn Mother". "It is one of this continent's oldest crop.... For the survival of humanity, this natural food source must remain free from genetic manipulation and unsustainable farming practices."

"Behind the Label". "This huipil recognizes and remembers the plight of seamstresses around the world. Leftover strips serve as a metaphor for garment workers who are so disposable, simply used and tossed aside by corporations..."

It is a great exhibition that makes you stop and wonder, look around your own little world, be thankful for things you have and be a little bit ashamed of yourself for taking so many things for granted.

The second exhibition that drew my attention was of sarapes, a traditional Mexican form of textile art. It is a grand collection of beautiful hand-woven rugs from the end of 19th - beginning of 20th century.

Each piece is a masterpiece, and such an inspiration! The colors and shapes, formed by threads and hands, are mesmerizing! I believe those of you who are vivid fair isle knitters will be inspired by these geometrical designs.