Artisanal Textiles in Contemporary Contexts

Marcia L. Weiss
Textile Designer, Philadelphia University,
Philadelphia

With the global nature of design, artists and designers find inspiration in a wide range of international cultures. Some connect with aesthetics rooted in historic techniques, some with current, culturally significant artisanal textiles. Two such textiles – Central Asian ikats and Malian bogolan – are distinctive techniques that exhibit identifiable color and pattern. Central Asian ikats, for example, from nineteenth century oasis towns, convey messages about social rank, age, origin, and in addition to being beautiful, about complex compositions. These labor-intensive artisanal techniques have been adopted by artists and designers as rich sources of inspiration and maybe can serve as tools to counterbalance the global manifestation of technology.

www.philau.edu

The talk will be held in English language.