|
April showers bring May flowers and here in NYC we are totally feeling that. This volume of STWT, we're going to Essex Market where you can escape the rain, discover distinctive vendors, and see this mesmerizing textile art!
On view at the Cuchifritos Gallery, Net by Mimi Biyao Bai is part of a larger group show, Textures of Feminist Perseverance which continues at The James Gallery.
Textile art is not as often celebrated as other art forms. Beyond tapestry and some works during the Arts and Crafts period, we did not see a lot of textile pieces on display. I think what's so exciting right now how much more prevalent this category is being recognized. Personally I have always been drawn to the wonders of textiles. When I came across Net I was so excited to share this invigorating work with you.
At first glance this wash of safety orange color, typically used in hunting, is fascinating. Galleries are usually unassuming white boxes so it was ingenious to further enhance her concept of safety, survival, and visibility through color. Off the bat she is asking us how can we be hyper-visible and simultaneously invisible.
Between thousands of yards of cotton and nylon yarns, Bai ties together the notion of temporary shelter and a matrix of entanglement. To achieve the varying tensions through the work, Bai applied her own body weight into the piece. Through her physical effort she is able to achieve a flexible accumulation of individual knots that can expand and contract depending on the environment. Challenging our idea of blending in, you can feel the parallel between camouflage and assimilation.
As the weather heats up we are piling on fewer layers. To start I wore the Prague Dress, a cotton slub jersey racerback tank mini dress with a front asymmetrical hem. Easily a go-to piece for me for summer. The asymmetry feels fresh and edgy, yet easy to wear. Worn open, the Pembroke Top was the perfect layer for this spring day. In a cotton viscose blend, this stand collar button front shirt has a dry hand that kept me cool while laying atop with just a bit of drape.
|
