With Every Fiber Curated By Anki King: Feb 6 – April 3 at Pelham Art Center
Pelham Art Center is pleased to announce the opening of With Every Fiber (February 6-April 3, 2021). Brooklyn-based curator Anki King presents the work of artists Joy Curtis, Ruby Chisti, Victoria Udondian, Jessica Lagunas, Liz Whitney Quisgard, Mary Ann Lomonaco, and Mary Tooley Parker who all use fiber to create deeply personal works of art.
The artists selected by curator Anki King for this exhibition all manipulate fiber to communicate emotion and meaning beyond the literal context of the materials. Clothing becomes mountains, embroidery is made rugged and dramatic and color patterns move across large walls. For them, the lifeline is the creative process itself. The need to express and create is primal and fiber is one of the original expressive materials.
Many of the artists in this exhibit are exploring issues around feminism. After seeing the quilts of the women of Gee’s Bend, Mary Tooley Parker decided to focus on the creators themselves and started a series of colorful rug hook works with portraits of the women who created the famous quilts. Jessica Lagunas has used her own hair in her creative practice for many years. Her work is a reaction to how society views aging and beauty and the expectations this puts on women. As her hair started turning gray at 33, Lagunas began sewing and weaving with her silvery strands and in this exhibit, you will see delicate pin weavings created with silk and hair. Mary Ann Lomonaco creates work reminiscent of tribal headgear made of beautifully dyed, intricately beaded and decorated mops.
Joy Curtis has traveled widely to gather her knowledge of fiber and dyes. She creates sculptural works by using metal armatures to create intense works on a human scale that speak of bodily experience. Liz Whitney Quisgard was an abstract painter for many years. About 15 years ago her daughter asked her to draw a design for rugs she was making. Quisgard picked up needle and yarn for a quick try at her daughter’s craft and never stopped. Her abstract patterns are meant to surprise and engage the mind.
Ruby Chisti and Victoria Undondian both explore the intricate meanings of identity. Ruby grew up in Pakistan and by sewing she was able to create for herself clothing and toys that were otherwise not within reach. Fabric has since become a way of being and expressing. The importance of clothing for a sense of place and home is also part of Undondian’s work. Being from Nigeria she saw how the influx of clothing from the west affected her surroundings and cultural history.
Related Programs
Opening Receptions (free and open to the public):
In Gallery Opening: Saturday, February 6th, 1:00-4:00pm
Virtual Opening: Thursday, February 11th, 5:00pm on Zoom
Virtual Studio Visits
Join Pelham Art Center for virtual studio visits with the artists and curator of With Every Fiber. These Zoom events are $10 to attend and directly benefit the artists and Pelham Art Center.
Thursday, February 18 – Mary Ann Lomonaco
Thursday, February 25 – Joy Curtis
Thursday, March 25 – Mary Tooley Parker
Thursday, April 8 – Jessica Lagunas
About Pelham Art Center
The Pelham Art Center is a non-profit educational and cultural institution committed to providing access to study, experience and appreciate the arts. The Pelham Art Center strives to be a vibrant, engaging arts space that provides unique opportunities to learn and enhance artistic skills and practices. With community at our core, we welcome participants of diverse backgrounds to foster connections and encourage the open exchange of ideas. Pelham Art Center has vibrant exhibitions, public programs, and art education opportunities. Hours: Monday-Wed & Fri., 9 am – 5 pm, Thursday, 9am-7pm, Sat. &; Sun., 10 am – 4 pm https://www.pelhamartcenter.org
Mission and History Pelham Art Center is a nonprofit educational and cultural insitution committed to providing public access to see, study, and experience the arts, foster lifelong arts appreciation and thereby strengthen the community of Southern Westchester and surronding areas. Art Classes are run for children and adults all year. The Pelham Art Center gallery exhibits are open to the public and also offers free public programs, artist talks, and concerts on a regular basis.