Art Textiles of the World: USA

Publisher Matthew Koumis

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An introduction to ten US artists with very different working methods. The lecturer and textile artist Ilze Aviks sketches the current situation of textile art in the USA.

Review

The latest edition of this book series, which now comprises five volumes, presents 10 artists from the USA with very different working methods, who were born between 1929 and 1970 and range from confirmed applied art representatives to participants in the Venice Art Biennial. The publisher has endeavoured to avoid much-publicised names, but nevertheless included such well-known greats of the textile arts as Jane Sauer, Jane Lackey, Jason Pollen and Virginia Davis. As was the case in previous editions, the artists give their own account of their work practices. Each illustrates five of his/her works, and includes a curriculum vitae and a list of public appearances, but unfortunately no contact address.
The young lecturer and textile artist Ilze Aviks outlines the current situation of the textile arts in the USA. She mentions the closure of many textile departments at universities during the past decade, and the preference for concept-oriented rather than the earlier textile-oriented working methods.
The great scope of work documented here and the large time span evident in the artists' ages nevertheless demonstrates that there are always new directions and talents emerging in the textile arts, and that it is worthwhile paying attention to the development of individuals. - As a whole this book series pays homage to the international textile arts.

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