Threads | Þræðir
Intertwined in Iceland: Textiles and Book Arts
July 8 - November 5, 2023
Books and textiles are the two forms of artistic expression that have the longest history and tradition in Iceland, but it is rare that books and textiles are intertwined.
This exhibition showcases artists’ books and textile pieces by Icelandic artists and visiting artists who have been inspired by the country’s landscapes, people, language and textile traditions. The works in this exhibition are connected through stitching, weaving, knotting, tying, binding, pattern and storyline. The artists have found parallel lives in each other, unintentionally approaching art and life in similar fashions across oceans and between generations.
Threads joins together visual arts, design and craft, with the works referring to textile techniques such as weaving, embroidery and natural dyeing, as well as the Icelandic landscape, language, and the history and culture of women in the Nordic country.
There is an Icelandic saying: “Glöggt er gests augað – the guest has a clear eye.” By juxtaposing the work of the Icelandic artists with that of artists visiting the country, this exhibition not only presents an Icelandic view but reflects on how an outsider's perspective can contribute to an understanding of landscape and culture.
Participating artists:
Lyla Rowen, Loo Bain, Anne Greenwood-Rioseco, Ingiríður Óðinsdóttir, Áslaug Jónsdóttir, Sigurborg Stefánsdóttir, Svanborg Matthíasdóttir, Helga Pálína Brynjólfsdóttir, Arnþrúður Ösp Karlsdóttir, Anna Snædís Sigmarsdóttir, Kristín Guðbrandsdóttir, and Cornelia Theimer Gardella.
Please look to the Nordia House NW for artist's bios & upcoming dates: opening/closing, artists' talks, workshops.
This exhibition showcases artists’ books and textile pieces by Icelandic artists and visiting artists who have been inspired by the country’s landscapes, people, language and textile traditions. The works in this exhibition are connected through stitching, weaving, knotting, tying, binding, pattern and storyline. The artists have found parallel lives in each other, unintentionally approaching art and life in similar fashions across oceans and between generations.
Threads joins together visual arts, design and craft, with the works referring to textile techniques such as weaving, embroidery and natural dyeing, as well as the Icelandic landscape, language, and the history and culture of women in the Nordic country.
There is an Icelandic saying: “Glöggt er gests augað – the guest has a clear eye.” By juxtaposing the work of the Icelandic artists with that of artists visiting the country, this exhibition not only presents an Icelandic view but reflects on how an outsider's perspective can contribute to an understanding of landscape and culture.
Participating artists:
Lyla Rowen, Loo Bain, Anne Greenwood-Rioseco, Ingiríður Óðinsdóttir, Áslaug Jónsdóttir, Sigurborg Stefánsdóttir, Svanborg Matthíasdóttir, Helga Pálína Brynjólfsdóttir, Arnþrúður Ösp Karlsdóttir, Anna Snædís Sigmarsdóttir, Kristín Guðbrandsdóttir, and Cornelia Theimer Gardella.
Please look to the Nordia House NW for artist's bios & upcoming dates: opening/closing, artists' talks, workshops.
photos by Aaron Wessling
Nowhere, 2023 10" x 11" x 3.5", digital Jacquard weaving, hand-embroidery, appliqué, natural dyes, wool, silk & cotton fibers. Linen accordion binding fabricated by Portland Garment Factory, edition of four. Funded in part by RACC.
Nowhere open detail, size variable 10" x up to 223.5", accordion binding.
Flettur/Lichen, 2023, 5.5" x 4" x .5" by Anne Greenwood Rioseco & Arnþrúður Ösp Karlsdóttir, screenprinting, digital printing, hand-sewing, laser cutting, natural dyes, crown binding, unalike, open edition.
