Artist Weaves Into the Fabric of History
Israeli fiber artist Orly Cogan collaborates with unnamed women of generations past. The foundation of her work is the utilitarian craftwork of women from previous eras – vintage materials like tablecloths and baby linens – onto which she crochets, embroiders and paints her experiences as a modern woman. Summer Lovin’, her solo exhibition at Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art (HVCCA) in Peekskill, displays seven of the artist’s works through July 29. According to HVCCA Co-Founder and Director Livia Straus: “[Cogan’s works] bring back memories of visiting grandparents’ homes…but upon investigating, the imagery is raw, feminist and family-based – domestication stripped of second-skin clothing.” Cogan’s works tell parallel and converging narratives that address the modesty of times gone by with a contrasting portrayal of a more liberated contemporary woman. Narratives, literally woven into the fabric of history, are updated to explore and address themes such as sexuality, relationship dynamics, stereotypes and sex-positive imagery. For more info, visit hvcca.org.
A version of this article first appeared in the July-August issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
