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Fiber artworks make the ordinary into surreal
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ART does not always have to be made of paint and brush, but it could be of yarn and fabric; likewise, artworks do not always have to be behind glass, but can be touched.
The second Hangzhou Triennial of Fiber Art intends to do just that — have people experience fiber art with fingertips.
“We want people to touch it when they see it,” said Liu Xiao, the curator. “Fiber art is unique because fiber shortens the distance between art and human being.”
Almost 100 art pieces from over 20 countries and regions are currently being exhibited at Zhejiang Art Museum until October 25.
The China Academy of Art and the museum are the co-organizers.
Silk, wool and canvas — our daily stuff — when turned into grand, glorious and graceful artworks, appear visitor-friendly than other art forms due to their softness and warmness.
Art is of course intriguing and inspiring. For example, Canadian artist Lycia Danielle Trouton’s work “Linen Memorial” is a list of almost 4,000 people who died in “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland from 1966 to 2009. They have been listed chronologically and embroidered on Irish linen handkerchiefs.
“Data Identification” by British artist Fabio Lattanzi Antinori is two wall-size pieces of tapestry that records stock chart of Lehman Brothers from 1998 to 2008, the year when it went bankrupt. Try to glide your fingers across the curves, soprano singing that accords with the date will be played.
Folk art is also on display. A corridor has been specially lined up to showcase embroidery work by a 79-year-old lady Ma Huirong from Suzhou, who spent over 60 years on the craftsmanship.
She splits each ordinary thread into 48 thinner strings. That way people, animals and flowers under her needle show subtle changes when light and shades come into play.
Her work of 12 zodiac animals are embroidered by 12 different methods.
Simply amazing!
Another highlight of the exhibition is the large installations that call for “people to use their bodies to interact with art,” said Shi Hui, art director of the triennial.
Like, at the entrance of the museum there is a bamboo structure created by Chinese architect Chen Haoru, which is large enough for people to shuttle inside. The crisscrossing material is another kind of “weaving,” according to Chen.
In the front hall, over 50 cobble-stone-like wool cushions in various colors by American artist Sheila Hicks lures everyone to cuddle them; they also love to touch a wooden boat that “wears” a multi-colored sweater knit by another American artist Magda Sayeg.
Another exhibition about fiber is also being held in the city.
Just 1 kilometer away from Zhejiang Art Museum, China National Silk Museum is holding “World of Silk” that collects antique silk costumes from China, Japan, South Korea, India, UK and US.
Silk, which originated in China, was exported to those areas on Silk Road and the sea.
Almost 200 pieces, such as old kimono from Japan, embroidery from Morocco, and scarves from India are showcased here until December 5.
Don’t miss it if you are a fan of Asian costume TV series. The robes, vests and boots that really have been used by Japanese imperial concubine and a Korean king are here to be admired.
Chinese emperor’s robes — the dragon robe — are on display at another permanent exhibition “Chinese Silk and Silk Road” that was launched last month.
Robes feature a dragon embroidered in a circle on the chest and on the back. Most of them are in golden yellow color.
What royal members wore was called “python robe.” Pythons look very similar to dragon on the robes, and the main difference was that the dragon claw has five toes while the python has only four.
Another highlight of the permanent exhibition is the recreation of “Chinese Room” from Govone Castle in Italy that dates back to the 18th century.
The room is typical of the time when chinoiserie was popular. Decorations include Chinese-style hand-painted wallpaper about farming, silk table cloth and curtain.
Look out especially for a white silk parasol with tassels. It is fully embroidered that details stories about the Chinese life such as educating children, receiving governmental offers, and three generations living together.
Another two permanent exhibitions at the museum are a Chinese woman’s cheongsam exhibition, and a Western costume exhibition that records changes from 15th to 19th century.
The latter exhibition also has hundreds of pairs of shoes, handbags, and accessories.
• Second Hangzhou Triennial of Fiber Art
Date: Through October 25, 9am-4:30pm (closed on Mondays)
Address: 128 Nanshan Rd
• World of Silk
Date: Through December 5, Tuesday to Monday, 9am-4:30pm; Monday, 12pm-4:30pm
Address: 73-1 Yuhuangshan Rd
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