The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition, Radical Textiles, on November 23, 2024. This highly anticipated showcase promises to explore the profound impact of textiles in contemporary art, inviting visitors to engage with the material in innovative and thought-provoking ways. 

Blending Textile and Art

Radical Textiles is not just an exhibition; it is an exploration of the intersection between fabric and artistry, challenging conventional notions of what textiles can be. The exhibition presents a diverse array of works from both local and international artists, each pushing the boundaries of textile art. These artists use fabric not merely as a medium but as a powerful form of expression, addressing themes such as identity, culture, and the environment.

As visitors walk through the exhibition, they will encounter a variety of installations, each designed to provoke thought and inspire dialogue. From large-scale sculptures to intricate wall hangings, the works featured in Radical Textiles underscore the versatility of textiles as a medium. The artists’ use of unconventional materials and techniques redefines the potential of fabric, showcasing its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions.

Featured Artists

Textiles have always played a pivotal role in galvanizing communities, serving as a medium for connection and expression throughout history. From the ravages of wars and pandemics to times of societal upheaval, textiles have provided a way to unify social and cultural groups, fostering bonds that transcend individual experiences.

Historically, artists have used textiles to respond to the changing dynamics of their eras. One notable figure is British artist and designer William Morris, who, in the late nineteenth century, sought to counteract the mechanization and mass production of the Industrial Revolution. By weaving tapestries on a manual loom with hand-dyed threads, Morris championed the value of craftsmanship and the beauty of handmade textiles. His vision was not just about aesthetics; it was about reclaiming artistry in a rapidly industrializing world. Today, many contemporary artists are building on Morris’s legacy, exploring the materials and techniques of textile design as a “slow-making” response to our fast-paced digital age. 

This ethos is central to Radical Textiles, which celebrates the innovative spirit and enduring traditions that have shaped textile art over the past 150 years. The exhibition features the work of over 100 artists, designers, and activists, drawing on AGSA’s extensive collections, including international, Australian, and First Nations textiles and fashion. Alongside this, the showcase will include a diverse array of sculpture, painting, photography, and moving images, alongside several new commissions that showcase contemporary interpretations of textile practices.

Among the featured artists is Frida Las Vegas, the creative alias of Australian artist and designer Stavroula Adameitis. Known for her vibrant and bold textile designs, as well as her neon artworks and immersive installations, Las Vegas brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. Her work remixes nostalgia with a contemporary graphic sensibility, drawing inspiration from her memories and experiences. With a playful and kitsch-inspired aesthetic, her creations celebrate iconic elements of popular culture, infusing them with an Australian twist.

For Radical Textiles, Frida Las Vegas has transformed The Studio into a dazzling, time-travelling Pop Art explosion. This vibrant installation features a medley of her favourite motifs and themes, perfectly complementing the exhibition’s overarching exploration of textiles as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression. Las Vegas’s work invites viewers to engage not only with the visual beauty of her pieces but also with the deeper narratives they convey, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that resonates with the exhibition’s themes.

A New Perspective on Textile Art

“Radical Textiles” at the Art Gallery of South Australia stands as a testament to the transformative power of textile art. By weaving together themes of identity, activism, community, and sustainability, the exhibition invites audiences to engage in a dialogue about the pressing issues of our time. As the boundaries of art continue to evolve, this exhibition not only celebrates the rich history of textiles but also positions them as a crucial medium for contemporary artistic expression.