New exhibit opens

“REWOVEN,” by Susan Bez

The Brick City Center for the Arts, home base for the Marion Cultural Alliance, now has on display the “Homemade, Handmade, the Natural: The Transformative Nature of Fiber Art” exhibit.

“Had These Old Jeans Hanging Around,” by Kendra Brazzel

The exhibit brings together a variety of artists who push the boundaries of fiber art, conveyed through traditional and contemporary techniques.  This exhibition features techniques often associated with utility, such as weaving, quilting and sewing, while others employ techniques that lend themselves to more “artful” fabrications like tufting, felting and macrame, highlighting both can equally be recognized as “fine art,” MCA materials noted.

The title, “Homemade, Handmade, the Natural,” is taken from the text “The Subversive Stitch,” in which Rozsika Parker traces the historical transition of embroidery from craft to fine art and the impact this shift had with shaping femininity in-and-out of the domestic sphere. As such, fiber art is historically associated with “women’s work” and often relegated solely to the world of craft, but it has always been much more than that. Fiber work, whether functional or aesthetic, was significant in shaping cultural identities and used to build generational bonds and traditions. From woven textiles and body ornamentation to tapestries and embroidery work, fiber art has evolved and thrived throughout cultures across the globe, according to the alliance.

Through textile and mixed media, the artists illustrate that fiber art builds community, that it’s an approachable medium and its inherent transcultural nature allows it to break away from traditional views imposed by the craft and fine art divide.

“TIMBER! (Log #1),” by Jordan Shapot and Charlita Whitehead

The exhibit includes work from Jamie Antonetti, Susan Bez, Kendra Brazzel, Dimelza Broche, David Campo III, Olimpia Cantillano, Barbara Cloud-Weisman, Martine Delbrin, Erika DiGirolamo, Kathy Hancock, Lale Gerger, Kevin Mierez-Galo, Jennifer Moore, Mary B. Mutarelli, Stephanie Mutarelli, Huong Nguyen, Stacie Pedrick, Nancy Roberts, Jordan Shapot, Tasha Strigle, Katherine Van de Ven and Charlita Whitehead.

The exhibit will be on display through Jan. 3 at 23 SW Broadway St., in downtown Ocala.

For exhibit events and gallery hours, visit mcaocala.org