ARTH 352 - Studies in the History of Fibre Art: Hybridity in Twentieth-Century Textile Art

• W - 9:00-11:30
• EV-1.605
• INSTRUCTOR: TBA

A hybrid is created by intermingling heterogeneous sources, and is understood as something composed of elements of different or incongruous kinds. Hybridity has become a key concept in postcolonial studies as well as being closely aligned to interdisciplinarity, and even so-called post disciplinary practices in craft and art. In this course we will explore the notion of hybridity in twentieth-century textile art by examining four themes: cultural crossover, textile reclamation and reuse, fine art/ craft transgression, and the expanded concept of fibres in art. The different nuances of hybridity that emerge within the context of the objects and productions encountered through these themes will be addressed. Objects and productions examined include seminal Canadian work, but will also encompass examples from around the world. Among others we will look at Cowichan sweaters, Bauhaus weaving, American quilts, Beading, Sloppy Craft, DIY, the reclamation and repurposing of garments in textile art, unconventional fibres, and textile art as performance.