Southeast Asian textiles first served as markers of ethnic identity, distinguishing neighboring communities by pattern, color, and technique. Now commercial production challenges these practices, yet the artistic wealth of these several hundred groups continues to inspire artists from around the world. Out of Southeast Asia: Art That Sustains explores the intersection of these rich traditions and their interpretation within contemporary art and design.
Historical textile artworks from The Textile Museum’s magnificent Southeast Asian collections—including batiks from Indonesia and brocades and ikats from Laos—will be displayed alongside the work of four contemporary textile artists and designers: batik artists Nia Fliam, Agus Ismoyo, and Vernal Bogren Swift, and weaver Carol Cassidy.
All of their works originate in Southeast Asian concepts, realized in certain design elements, technical details, and philosophical underpinnings. Out of Southeast Asia demonstrates how contemporary artists are preserving the traditional arts even as they interpret them in new and innovative ways.
As The Textile Museum prepares to move to its new location, Out of Southeast Asia provides a fitting visual link between the past, present and future while demonstrating the continued relevance of traditional textiles.
This exhibition is made possible in part through grants from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and the Asian Cultural Council. Additional support is provided by Terry Adlhock and Jeffrey Hunter, Jeffrey P. Cunard, Tina M. deVries, Roger S. and Claire Pratt, Stanley Owen Roth, and The Textile Museum Docents.