I was thrilled to visit this exhibition for two reasons. I had heard so much about this gallery, and I don’t think I had ever been to an exhibition that consisted only of textiles. The exhibition presented many works in different textile forms that provided a feast for the eye and the soul! The works consisted of pieces created from soft sculpture, weaving, embroidery, installation and experimental material practices.
I was thrilled to observe the versatile way textiles are utilised in contemporary practice but also draw on traditional techniques. This was exemplified in Mackenzie River’s work created from a garment with knitted features. The combination of the different textile techniques and the way the knitting was used demonstrated how she drew from female, socially led resistance movements in history. She seemed to echo their ideas of holding textiles and fibre at the core of their demonstrations. Her work makes a comment that textiles are more than just pretty adornments but carry power and influence.
I also engaged with the way the works were presented, as that is a constant conundrum for me - how do I display unconventional work to show it at its best? I found some answers to these questions, which will prove helpful as I create future work.
Detail of Helen Henwood’s work to show the hanging system.
Promotion material for opening of Textiles at Red Gallery
Mackenzie Rivers, Title unknown, 2025, calico and yarn