Household textiles turned into something of a theme this week, as That's Not My Age went along to the new Hauser & Wirth galleries on Savile Row to see the last planned Louise Bourgeois exhibition. The artist, a lifelong hoarder of clothes and everyday items, died in May aged 98. The Fabric Works is a series of her later work. A collection of extraordinary 'drawings' made by weaving or stitching together strips of fabric cut from tablecloths, napkins and bedlinen. 'I always had the fear of being separated and abandoned,' explained Bourgeois, whose work reflected her unsettled childhood (close relationship to mother, philandering father), ' The sewing is my attempt to keep things together and make things whole.'
Some of the designs look like spider's webs. Bourgeois is famous for her gigantic bronze spider sculptures, and there's a smaller version here:
The Fabric Works reminded me of Tracey Emin - I've always preferred her work with textiles - and the stuffed jersey mannequin of a naked man brought Sarah Lucas to mind.
Louise Bourgeois. Influential artist, feminist icon and a very stylish woman:
Louise Bourgeois: The Fabric Works is on at Hauser & Wirth till 18 December 2010.
Louise Bourgeois photos:
Striped shirt: Shulman Photography
Hands on head: more.com
Beret: AP
Italy 1967: Vanity Fair
What a fascinating woman, I love to see textiles used in art. Wasn't she stylish? I'm liking the sound of a lifetime hoarder of clothes and everyday items, I think that's the way I'm heading, mnus the talent.
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PS I made my curtains using scraps of vintage fabric, old clothes and some of my stash of retro tea towels. I've managed three pairs so far, it's nearly killed me.
How very interesting. It is very kind of you to bring all these wonderful things for me to enjoy in a small spot of Andalucía.
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The pictures of Louise are amazing! I love the bronzes.
ReplyDeleteI have also been admiring Vix's fabulous curtains, aren't they wonderful? Have a great weekend xx
The bronze spider is amazing. She herself is beautiful. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection by someone completely unknown to me. Good to learn about new people and things.
ReplyDeleteLove framed textiles and this collection looks wonderful. Hope you are having a good weekend. x
ReplyDeleteVix - you are the new Louise Bourgeois! I think you should start selling your curtains, they're fantastic - perhaps you could get a work experience in to help you make them?!
ReplyDeleteWork experience? Great idea because they were a bugger to sew.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love to feature in your series. It would be an honour. Give us a week to get the spare bedroom sorted and I promise to take part. xxx
I do love a stylish feminist artist!
ReplyDeleteFantastic stuff. I had no idea that Bourgeois worked in fabric, have only known her as a sculptor (and the infamous Maplethorpe photograph of her). The quote about abandonment is wonderful. Thank you.
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