In July I visited Manchester to go to The Holden Gallery, Manchester Metropolitan University to see an exhibition of contemporary textiles celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 62 Group of textile artists (including a friend of mine Hazel Bruce who is a member of the group).Over the years the 62 Group has held many high profile exhibitions, and membership, which can only be achieved through a rigorous selection process, is now international.is in the 62 group.
The group initially formed in 1962 as a collective of embroidery graduates who wanted to show that embroidery was not simply a “ladylike pastime” but an art form in its own right.
The exhibition was very inspirational containing a broad approach to mixed media fine art textiles, breaking the preconceived ideas of what textiles is. I got caught sneaking a photograph of some work by the artist herself - very embarrassing - but she was fortunately a very nice women who was flattered that i wanted a photograph of her work and chatted at length about her textiles - phew! The work was by artist Jan Miller - see work below:
'New work begins and ends with a collection - researching old and creating new. Practical sampling stimulates thinking and further making. It is a circular process informed by experience and memory. Cloth is marked by repeated manipulation or folding; natural dyes, inks and powders deepen the marks left by creases and incisions; printing and handstitch accentuate detail and increase texture and depth. I re-use discarded fabrics and papers – layering in my own history.
Collections - of objects, photographs, textile etc - are infused with unique personal thoughts, connections and experiences. Selection and juxtapositions evoke and reinforce memories. Point-of-view (2010) defines my visual thinking. A collection is displayed on and between transparent blocks that shift, slice, multiply and obscure what is visible as the viewer moves around the exhibit' - Jan Miller. http://textilestudygroup.co.uk/members/jan-miller/
Other interesting work included Jae Maries 'A day in the life of...the world which ewas inspired by the 31st October 2011, and that on this day the earths population reached 7 billion. little Danka was declared the 7th billion person to arrive on the planet - featured in the piece of work where she creted 350 small figures reusing old work each representing 20 million people. You can see the tag featuring little Danka below.
Elaine Megaheys work was very painterley and textured crossing boundaries of painting and textiles - Elaine's work employs print-making,mixed-media,stitch and photography
www.62group.org.uk/artist/elaine-megahey/
Follow the link below to see extract from the new book 'Radical Textiles' - 1962-2012: The 62 Group of Textile Artists celebrates 50 years at the forefront of innovation' and creativity with the publication of ‘Radical Thread’, written and edited by Professor Lesley Millar. This book features the work and thoughts of 57 current members, as well as covering the history of the Group through a conversation between Jan Beaney, Jae Maries and Audrey Walker.
Free extract from Radical Thread book available - www.issuu.com/directdesign/docs/radical_thread_sample?mode=a_p
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