Metaphysical: Portraits in Thread and Other Visions

November 1 – December 24, 2024
Mary Giles Gallery
Opening reception:  Friday November 1, 1 – 4 pm

Textile Center is proud to present this collection of Portraits in Thread and Other Visions–new embroidered works from Multicolores in Guatemala!

Welcome to an exhibit that speaks to the fundamental nature of personal reality, brought forth through a brand new, inspired series of first-time self-portraits by women artists from Guatemala that explore: Being or existence, identity, change, space and time, cause and effect, necessity, actuality, and possibility. (metaphysical- encyclopedia.com)  Through metaphor, color, and symbolism, these stitched story cloths and self portraits celebrate and speak to the power of women, in both their self sufficiency and united by community.

Metaphysical sprung forth from a decade of support for Multicolores, beginning back when the collective was focused on their rug hooking project.  From the exhibit we hosted with some of their first BIG rugs, to the presentation and discussion and book signing for Rug Money by Mary Anne Wise and Cheryl Conway-Daly, to our first group patron tour to Guatemala, we have been in love with Multicolores’ mission, their passion for the economic empowerment of women through creativity, and the broad support they provide for their artisans– from mental health and other community services to teaching, educating, and providing the tools and freedom to design their own visions of the world. 

A special thanks to color guru Keith Recker, for his detailed color analysis of the colors used by the artisans in these portraits.  Link to check out the color chart here.

Special exhibition tour opportunity:

On December 12, 2024 from 4 – 5 pm, color expert Keith Recker will lead a tour through the exhibition by focusing on the color choices made by the artists and his personal conversations with them about the meaning behind those color choices. Open to the public, no registration required.