Textile Magic
GILL GOLDENBERG talks to Sophie Barnard about the upcoming Textile Junction exhibition at The Electro Studios Project Space and reflects on the role of textiles in art
There is a rich and diverse history of textiles being used across a range of cultures for hundreds of years to convey ideas and experiences through colour and textures. Despite this, the art forms which have dominated the art world, such as drawing, painting and sculpture, have continued to maintain a grip on our concept of what constitutes ‘Art’. Thanks to artists like Anni Albers, the German/American textile artist working in the mid-20th century, the lines between traditional craft and art have blurred over the last 75 years.
But all too often, works in textile are still considered by many as examples of craft rather than art.
Sophie Barnard, herself a successful textile artist, has curated an exhibition featuring the work of 40 textile artists, which illustrates the wide range of textile art on offer. “Textile Junction began as an idea to celebrate local and international artists who use textile in ANY way,” she explains. “As a textile artist myself, I know that the scope of the medium is so vast: I was confident in an exciting, vibrant and diverse exhibition.”
Sophie is confident that this year’s exhibition will continue to shift the perception of textile art, following the success of last year’s exhibition. “This is year two of Textile Junction and we can’t wait to have an incredible group of artists together under one roof.”
This is truly an exhibition not to be missed. Be prepared to be amazed and delighted by the diverse collection of textile art.
contributing artists
Joke Amusan, Gabrielle Anderson, Robert Bakama, Aurora Barrett, Russell Barratt, Jackie Bennett, Alice Blackstock, Colin Booth, Maya Brown & Maya Ramnarine, Claire Buckley, Véronique Buist, Agnes Chevalier, Shir Cohen, Rowan Corkill, Lorna Crabbe, Nikki Davidson-Bowman, Helen Davies, Lily Dixon, Deborah Ewing, Clara Fantoni, Frankie Fathers, Eve Frances, Emma franks, Susie Freeman, Nathalie Frost, Steph Garratt, Joan Glasgow, Gill Goldenberg, Shelly Goldsmith, Laurel Graham, Linda Gray, Caroline Gregory, Claire Humm, Sadie Jones, Tanvi Kant, Rachel Karasik, Kezia Levitas, Keren Luchtenstein, Kiya Major, Arno Rupert Maasdorp, Saffy McNamara, Lila McRae, Tony Mentel, Michelle Mildenhall, Bee Nicholls, Helen O’Leary, Rachel Pearcey, Katharine Pulford, Laura Ribbons, Rachel Richardson, Jay Routh, Seb Rowlands, Aryana Sheibani, Kaye-Anne Smith (R3 Times), Maxine Sutton, Ruth Thomas, Alice Thompson, Daisy Tortuga, Holly Turner, Carola Van Dyke, Jo Weaving, Mew Welch, Claire Whelan, Maggie Williams, Rachel Williams, Tia Wilson, Wolfgang Woerner, Vedat.
Textile Junction exhibition –
Private View 19 July, then open Saturday 20/Sunday 21 and Saturday 27/Sunday 28 July Electro Studios Project Space, Seaside Road, St Leonards on Sea
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