Textile art redefines modernism at National Gallery of Canada

In Canada, the National Gallery of Canada continues its Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction exhibition, which runs until March 2. The exhibition seeks to reposition fibre art within the narrative of modernism, showcasing how skillful works in textiles have played an equally vital role alongside traditional paint on canvas. Curated by a professional with a focus on the feminist revisionism in art, the exhibit begins with significant contributions from American artists like Anni Albers and Sheila Hicks from the 1960s, suggesting a sophisticated discussion of both gender and medium in art history. The exhibition intertwines the works of male and female artists, underlining that textiles, often linked to craft and unfairly marginalized within art history, deserve recognition for their contributions to contemporary art. A notable inclusion is a tapestry commissioned by Intel Corp. from Navajo weaver Marilou Schultz in the 1990s, highlighting a connection between Indigenous artistry and modern technology. Further, the exhibition presents Valerie Jaudon's Jackson (1976), which relates to traditional decorative motifs while also embracing modern artistic practices. The curation moves into ecological and labor-related themes in newer textile artworks, emphasizing the importance of contemporary textile art as commentary on industrial processes. Artists like Carole Frances Lung and her video piece add levity and a modern twist to the historical reassessment of textiles, showcasing how the craft engages with technology. As the exhibition progresses, it marks a shift where textiles represent more than mere decorative arts, placing them firmly within modernist practice, something that has been overshadowed by dominant painting practices in past decades. Overall, Woven Histories challenges preconceived notions about textiles and elevates it within the hierarchy of art forms. It calls attention to the evolving narratives around fiber art, the gender dynamics that accompany discussions of artistic legitimacy, and the broader implications of socio-environmental issues tied to textile production. This exhibition embraces a future where the significance of diverse mediums, such as textiles, occupy a more equal footing within the hallowed halls of art history.