Sarasota Art Museum Presents
A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard
Opening Feb. 25, exhibition showcases contemporary fiber artists challenging status quo
January 10, 2023

Salvaged textiles with mixed media. 78 inches diameter. (c) Kirsten Hassenfeld

Extension cords, light bulbs, wood, mixed media, 81 x 24 x 14 in.
Courtesy of Eleanor Harwood Gallery, San Francisco, CA. © Dana Hemenway.
Although the materials and means of production vary for each artist featured in the exhibition, they all share a commonality in their pursuit to upheave the status quo, upending traditional perceptions about fiber arts. Mining personal and collective histories, these artists not only expand the definitions of fiber arts but also address significant political and sociocultural issues, including racism, sexism, and climate change.
![Lisa Solomon (American, born 1973), Senninbari [1000 stitch knot belt] (detail), 2016, hand-dyed & tied cotton rope, 122 x 299 x 4 in. Courtesy of Walter Maciel Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. © Lisa Solomon.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sarasotaartmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/FeaturedImage_WindyChien_CircuitBoard_1024x746.jpg?fit=900%2C675&ssl=1)
Hand-dyed & tied cotton rope, 122 x 299 x 4 in. Courtesy of Walter Maciel Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. © Lisa Solomon.

Machine knitted yarn, fiberfill, 34 x 39 x 6 in. © Katrina Sánchez Standfield.

Handwoven cotton and hand-cut novelty fabrics, 88 x 36 x 3 in. © dani lopez.
For more information about participating artists, please refer to the attachment with this press release.
This exhibition is paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.
About Sarasota Art Museum
Sarasota Art Museum is a catalyst for appreciation and understanding of the art of our time. As a platform for exposure, education, and experimentation, the Museum inspires new ideas and new ways of being through an endless rotation of transformative, relevant, and pioneering exhibitions and programs designed to elevate and empower all by cultivating discerning visual thinkers and ethical citizens.
Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum is located on the Museum’s campus in Paul Rudolph’s Sarasota School of Architecture 1959 Vocational Shops building. The Bistro fare is inspired by Florida’s regional fruit stands and farmer’s markets and emphasizes local produce, healthy proteins, and artisanal specialty items brought to you by Executive Chef and general manager Kaytlin Dangaran.
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