Threaded presents artworks created by Black women working with textiles. The foundation of this exhibition is seven newly-conserved quilts from Gee’s Bend in the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art permanent collection. These works are joined by a quilt from the Clark Atlanta University Art Museum collection and ten prints also by Gee’s Bend quilt-makers. Threaded places these traditional quilts in conversation with works that integrate materials and techniques that extend beyond the traditional category of “quilt.” The fabric-based objects in the exhibition are a testament to the spirits of women who have passed down their knowledge, skills, and fabrics through generations.
Threaded features works made with cotton, polyester, wool, sateen, corduroy, silk, chiffon, kente cloth, pima cloth, lace, velvet, and hand-dyed fabrics. In addition to textiles, visitors will encounter works adorned with cowrie shells, beads, broaches, and even surrounded by wall paper. Quilts sometimes emerge from the desire to keep loved ones warm, and sometimes these objects gather, hold and bear witness to our stories. The works in Threaded are united by textile-based materials and a starting place of love and creativity.
Artists featured in Threaded are Louisiana Bendolph, Mary Lee Bendolph, Polly Bennett, Willie Ann Benning, Bisa Butler, Helen McBride, Flora Moore, Ruth Pettway Mosely, Ebony G. Patterson, Loretta Pettway, Bettie Bendolph Seltzer, Phyllis Stephens, Sonie Joi Thompson-Ruffin, Qualeasha Wood and Billie Zangewa. To complement the exhibition, works from the Spelman Museum permanent collection by Vanessa German and Toyin Ojih Odutola will welcome visitors to the show.
Threaded is organized by and presented at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art
February 2 – May 24, 2024
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