8 November 2023
 The upcoming MAK exhibition 'Hard/Soft' from 13 December explores the interplay between textiles and ceramics in contemporary art. It features works from around 40 international artists, many of whom are being showcased in Vienna for the first time. Artists in the exhibition include Gelatin, Sheila Hicks, Peter Kogler, Rosemarie Trockel, Jonathan Meese, and others. Textiles and ceramics, though seemingly opposite materials, share a design language that ranges from hard and bulky to soft and flowing. The exhibition delves into the craft techniques, material properties, and socio-political aspects of these materials, transcending traditional boundaries in visual art. The artists in the exhibition, like Magdalena Abakanowicz and Sonia Gomes, use textiles to expand the boundaries of sculpture and explore themes related - for example - to feminism and gender roles. They utilize various materials and techniques to convey their narratives, highlighting the cultural significance of textiles. Furthermore, the exhibition addresses issues of cultural appropriation, postcolonialism, and the global trade flows through the medium of textiles. For instance, Kapwani Kiwanga's tapestry explores the transatlantic slave trade, and Willem de Rooij combines two Shirwan carpets, referencing trade routes. The interplay between textiles and ceramics is deeply rooted in history, and contemporary artists continue to push the boundaries by using traditional techniques alongside digital innovations. The exhibition also emphasizes the connection between textiles and architecture, as well as their role in everyday objects. |
|
|