Response to On Weaving
Anni Albers... Where do I even begin?
Having worked with silk screen printing was my gateway to art, design and craft. Therefore I have always been somewhat closer to fiber and the actions we take with it. I did silk screen printing, dyeing with natural dyes, weaving, and sewing. My academic background might not be in Fiber but I practically studied it by myself while I was in undergrad. Another thing I did to not become a dietitian. Oh my life!
When I was working with a women`s weaving cooperative in Istanbul as a trainer/designer, I had the chance to work on a collaborative project with them. I was also taking an Urbanism class at Bilgi University in Istanbul so ``weaving an urban experience`` seemed like a good idea. I conducted some surveys with them, because they were living in a rather gentrified area of Istanbul. But their community fabric was tightly woven. I was fascinated by how they were both physically and abstractly weaving their lives. After the surveys, I decided to create a woven series around the urban concerns we had in regard to rapid urbanization and the loss of community.
After doing these pieces, I decided to be involved with weaving more and even though I didn't have a loom to work with, I had a single frame with nails hammered on it to do some basic trials.
First thing I tried to do was to imitate a poem and its rhythmic structure as the code of weaving. So yes, I am very interested in the whole process!
Not to brag but I might also have a somewhat broad vocabulary in regard to the subject. Last year, Istanbul Modern had an exhibition called The Event of Thread. There I had the chance to see the works of Anni Albers, along with a couple of other artists -both from local and international scene- like Ulla von Brandenburg, Belkıs Balpınar, and such.
Now time to comment on On Weaving
I remember a quote by Anni Albers saying that "Unless it was on paper, weaving was not considered as an art piece." That struck me a quite deal. So, releasing weaving from its domestic context and using as an empowering method, as a feminist statement, is very interesting to me.
To quote Ulla von Brandenburg: One must not limit weaving to its feminist context. Fabric carries a variety of meaning in revolutionary contexts.
These two quotes, to me how valuable and powerful weaving is.
The idea that weaving was the first form of computing is becoming widely spread, and I couldn't be happier. Because I also realize a pattern where technology is masculinized and craft (such as weaving, sewing, printing) is feminized.
These acts need to be released from their gendered contexts and reintroduced to society in a new, refined manner.
A lot of artists are making sure that happens too. I remember a Turkish artist working on a primal computer formed with gold and silver threads, chosen due to their ability to transfer electricity. (Couldn't find more info!)
Back to weaving itself as a method: I can't say I have a lotta practice with different types of weaving, but can't wait to delve deeper!