KNOT AFTER KNOT

The technique of crochet, whether understood as a traditional product, a process, or a means of expression, and ultimately as an artform is the main focus of this exhibition, 'knot after knot' where the knowledge and methods of this traditional craft is intertwined with the forefront of international creative design.

Knitting can be in some instances considered an artform. Take for example the spider, where the spider weaves into their web a framework of perfect geometry to catch their prey, a form of natures crochet so to speak. We must however distinguish the difference between the process of weaving and that of mere clothing. Aldo Lanzini asked himself this very question when weaving his masks. He deduced the difference to be that weaving was more complex, to wrap, cover, merge, seperate and unpick.

The use of weaving techniques as a therapy can be seen in the work of the confessional French-American artist and sculptor Louise Bourgeois, (1911-2010) her famous work Maman uses the form of the spider as a metaphor of spinning, weaving, nuture and protection. Judith Scott (1943-2005) the internationally renowned American fiber artist developed upon this theme, enveloping secret structures within colourful yarns, often using comonly found objects such as umbrellas and shoes in her pieces, reminding us that far from being considered a pastime of grannys, knitting is a rich and complex language, helping to express emotions, going beyond merely it's visual form.

One of the first artist to consider weaving as a seperate and distinguished artform was Wilms Hedwig (1874-1915) His "Tray with Coffee Pot and Milk Jug" constructed in thick cotton thread was made whilst the artist was a patient in a psychiatric hospital. This mentally ill outsider of the art world anticipated with his surrealist pieces an artform later explored by artists such as Meret Oppenheim (1913-1985) and Ana Laura Aláez in her work "Spectators." Sirvins Marguerite (1890-1957) was another artist to explore this atform, who in addition to his famous wedding dress piece, sewn with thread taken from the couples sheets also made embroideries depicting scenes of family and private life, with the children as protagonists. The body of work these artists produced germinated responses by artists such as Mandy Greer and Patricia Waller, who approached their work in the spirit of outsider artists.

To search for the ideal material suitable for a specific piece, or to find a material that allows the organic development of the whole work to naturally evolve are two different concepts. This exhibition, 'knot by knot' is certain to uncover the material and the process that fits perfectly with the concept, leading the artist inside a very personal, unique and expressive language.
 

Text by Pepa Mora

Bachelor of Fine Arts and Art History by the University of Granada

Translation by Laura Simpson