Threads of Time: An Archival Textile Journey
Kravet
Cody Gallery, Marymount University
Curated by Susan Hergenrather / Sal Pirrone
Lina Forrester – Kravet Archivist
November 2, 2024 – December 14, 2024
Artist Talk: Thursday November 14 at 5pm
Reception: 5:30-7:30pm
Threads of Time: An Archival Textile Journey explores the evolution of textile design and production, highlighting key historical periods, cultural influences, and the artistry of textile creation, with a focus on how textiles have been used to express identity, status, and tradition across different cultures and eras. Key questions include:
How have textiles reflected the social, cultural, and economic contexts of their time? What stories do these textiles tell about the people and societies that produced them? How have textile techniques and materials evolved over time?
One piece included in the exhibition is Lee Jofa’s, Tree of Life. Inspired by an 18th- century Indian palampore, this work features an intricate design of a flourishing tree adorned with exotic birds and stylized flowers. Created by renowned textile designer Harry Wearne in the 1920s, the fabric is hand-block printed using 365 hand-carved wooden blocks to achieve a 3 yard vertical repeat, with each block meticulously aligned like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. The process requires highly skilled artisans with years of handblock training, allowing them to produce only two yards of fabric per day.
Kravet is a global leader, representing brands and designers from all over the world. Kravet Inc. owns Kravet, Lee Jofa, GP & J Baker, Brunschwig & Fils and Donghia offering fabrics, furniture, wallcoverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories, specializing in style, luxury and exceptional design.
Cody Gallery is a contemporary art space created as a platform to support the arts and strengthen the arts community at Marymount University and the greater Washington DC area. The gallery is operated by the School of Design + Art at Marymount.
Location: 1000 N. Glebe Rd., 2nd Fl., Arlington, VA 22201
Learn more about Cody Gallery: marymount.edu/cody-gallery
