THE LANGUAGE OF MAKING | Visual Voices from the Textile Study Group of New York
This volume celebrates over forty years of history of the Textile Study Group of New York (1977-2019), one of the most important and long-standing artistic communities dedicated to textile art. The book offers a valuable testimony to the evolution of the group, through a brief yet meaningful historical reconstruction, a rich portfolio of works by 168 members, and a critical essay by Joanne Mattera, which analyzes the rise and growing recognition of fiber as an artistic medium in the contemporary art world.
If you are fascinated by the world of textile art and wish to explore the extraordinary variety of approaches, techniques, and visions that define this field, this book is a must-read.
Founded in 1977 by six friends, the Textile Study Group of New York has grown over the decades into an international organization, now with over two hundred members from all over the world. This book not only tells the story of the group but also provides a broad and engaging overview of its artistic production, highlighting the extraordinary range of languages and experiments that characterize the work of its members.
Through the works of the 168 selected artists, readers can immerse themselves in a world where textiles become a powerful and innovative means of expression: from sculpture to fashion, from slow stitch to surface design, from immersive installations to political and performative art. Textile art is no longer relegated to a marginal or decorative role; it asserts itself as a contemporary discipline capable of engaging with the art world in all its facets.
Enriching the volume is the critical essay by Joanne Mattera, artist and writer, who analyzes the evolution of fiber’s role in contemporary art, emphasizing how, over the past few decades, the textile medium has gained increasing recognition in the international art scene. This reflection offers the reader a valuable insight into not only the historical and cultural significance of this art form but also its capacity to innovate and reinvent itself over time.
This book is truly a celebration of creativity, experimentation, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences. Whether you are an artist, a scholar, or simply a textile and fiber enthusiast, you will find an incredible source of inspiration in these pages.
About the Author
A textile artist since 2004, Kim Svoboda has dedicated her career to expressive research through fabric and thread, following an artistic path rooted in the Fine Arts, where she graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Her professional journey has been diverse, ranging from advertising to community organizing, from commercial printing to academia and retail. However, the common thread of her professional life has been her work with independent, non-profit organizations, with a constant commitment to promoting and enhancing textile art.
BOOK DETAILS
• Genre: ART
• Language: English
• Pages: 210
