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Belonging

A Textile Arts Exhibition with Kimberly Bush, Stephanie Eche, and Traci Johnson

With common threads, this inter-generational and diverse group of artists weaves together personal meditations that reflect broadly on connectedness, family, community and activism through fiber art. These year(s) of the pandemic have taught us that everything is attached and interconnected, like fibers and fabric. All beings need each other to survive and thrive; we all need to belong.

All of the artworks in the exhibition are for sale, visit Why Not Art? for purchases.

Enjoy this virtual tour slide show of the exhibition, photographed by Etienne Frossard.

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Overview:

Belonging is a contemporary visual art exhibition highlighting 3 Brooklyn artists (Kimberly Bush, Stephanie Eche and Traci Johnson) who create work with fiber, cloth, thread and other textiles.

Textiles are having a “moment” in contemporary art. After decades of being excluded or dismissed as merely utilitarian, textiles are now embraced by major museums, blue-chip galleries and even department store window designers (see Traci Johnson’s recent commission at Bergdorf’s). Why now? Many textile artists use their work to explore healing, trauma and familial or cross-cultural understandings, which seems especially relevant as we transition through the COVID pandemic. Textiles are soft, warm, inviting and represent a feeling of safety to which many people respond immediately. Viewing these intricately woven and mended materials, even without touching, can evoke a sense of home and provide emotional comfort. Belonging taps into that sense of solace, community and joy after a time of grief and sadness.

With common threads, this intergenerational and diverse group of artists weaves together personal meditations that reflect broadly on connectedness, family, community and activism through fiber art. These year(s) of the pandemic have taught us that everything is attached and interconnected, like fibers and fabric. All beings need each other to survive and thrive; we all need to belong.

The rich and varied textures of the textile work on view include knots, tufted rugs, felted wool, and subtle stitches in a mix of natural and bombastic colors. The Old Stone House is a historic home that provides a welcoming backdrop and a contemplative space to discover the fine art handiwork.

About the Artists:

Kimberly Bush (she/her) is an artist and art therapist with over 30 years experience. Her practice of weaving fibers, mending torn and frayed edges, sewing fabric patches and pieces together, figuratively and literally, demonstrates the interconnectedness among humans. Visit her @kimberlybrooklyn or https://www.kimberlybush-art.com/portfilio.IG @kimberlybrooklyn

Stephanie Eche (she/her) uses found materials and natural fibers to create sculptures that investigate cultural identity, time, and memory. Her processes are intentionally labor and time-intensive, allowing her to reflect on the erasure of indigenous cultures as a result of colonization and capitalism, including the assimilation of her Chicana family.Visit her @stephanie_eche or https://stephanieeche.com/. IG @stephanie_eche

Traci Johnson (they/them) is an artist and fashion model who presents bold, colorful abstract sculptural creations that bring a sense of euphoria and vibrant energy to the exhibit. The works embody the texture, softness and comfort of textiles while promoting healing, self-acceptance and self-love; they truly create a safe space for all. Visit them @rugsbykailuaa or https://www.rugsbykailuaa.com/. IG @kailuaa @rugsbykailuaa

About The Curator:

Grace R. Freedman, PhD (she/her) is a founder of Why Not Art which celebrates the vitality of the Brooklyn arts community by presenting interdisciplinary art shows in alternative spaces to reach expanded and diverse audiences. Contact: grace@whynotart.com; 718-858-4847, IG @whynotartnyc

This exhibition is made possible, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.