As I've began investigating Manchester's textile industry during the industrial revolution, I thought the 'COTTON: Global Threads' exhibition would be a good opportunity to look at cotton with broader cultural context.
An urgent demand for cotton stimulated inventions in spinning and weaving technology that were the catalyst for the Industrial Revolution (1750-1850). There was a vast development in international trade in both raw cotton and finished cloth, and the mechanisation of cotton industries took over, thousands of Indian craftsmen were forced out of work. Western Europe had become the primary source of cotton production in the world.
'Cotton embalms, surrounds, muffles, covers, stretches and breathes with us – from the cradle to the grave.' Liz Rideal, Artist
Light Curtain - Liz Rideal
A piece that I was drawn to, finding it almost enchanting, was the 'Light Curtain' by Liz Rideal. Inspired by an Indian sari sample book, a silent video of patterns and colour projects onto drapes of lightweight, white fabric pannels. The ghostly panels move seemingly on their own accord, as if breathing or pulsing; thus creating a feeling of tranquility as the drapes tumble and slide through the air.
Les Arbres à Bleus (Blue Trees) - Aboubakar Fofana
Fofana, born in Bamako, Mali, works with ancient African weaving and dyeing techniques to create a solidly contemporary body of work. Using organic fibres and natural dyes, he is committed to preserving and revitalizing Mali's nearly lost tradition of natural indigo and vegetable dyeing.
'Symbolizes the link between Heaven and Earth, these trees/totems form a symbolic forest. The ‘fruits’ scattered on the ground suggest the abundance and generosity of nature – a Garden of Eden on a path of discovery. The tree is the most important and sacred symbol in Bambara thought – a ladder of salvation, a divine route to knowledge.'
The instalation takes up the majority of the room, thus creating a sense of the outdoors, indoors as you step into this 'forest' - relating to the idea I am exploring in my project of Transforming a Space. On entering the room, you entering this different climate and cultural atmosphere.
An urgent demand for cotton stimulated inventions in spinning and weaving technology that were the catalyst for the Industrial Revolution (1750-1850). There was a vast development in international trade in both raw cotton and finished cloth, and the mechanisation of cotton industries took over, thousands of Indian craftsmen were forced out of work. Western Europe had become the primary source of cotton production in the world.
'Cotton embalms, surrounds, muffles, covers, stretches and breathes with us – from the cradle to the grave.' Liz Rideal, Artist
A piece that I was drawn to, finding it almost enchanting, was the 'Light Curtain' by Liz Rideal. Inspired by an Indian sari sample book, a silent video of patterns and colour projects onto drapes of lightweight, white fabric pannels. The ghostly panels move seemingly on their own accord, as if breathing or pulsing; thus creating a feeling of tranquility as the drapes tumble and slide through the air.
Fofana, born in Bamako, Mali, works with ancient African weaving and dyeing techniques to create a solidly contemporary body of work. Using organic fibres and natural dyes, he is committed to preserving and revitalizing Mali's nearly lost tradition of natural indigo and vegetable dyeing.
'Symbolizes the link between Heaven and Earth, these trees/totems form a symbolic forest. The ‘fruits’ scattered on the ground suggest the abundance and generosity of nature – a Garden of Eden on a path of discovery. The tree is the most important and sacred symbol in Bambara thought – a ladder of salvation, a divine route to knowledge.'
The instalation takes up the majority of the room, thus creating a sense of the outdoors, indoors as you step into this 'forest' - relating to the idea I am exploring in my project of Transforming a Space. On entering the room, you entering this different climate and cultural atmosphere.
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