Can crochet explain the complexities of non-Euclidean geometry? How does the 1804 Jacquard loom relate to modern computing? Radical Fiber celebrates the overlap between art, science, interdisciplinary creativity and collaborative learning
For centuries, fiber arts have influenced sciences as diverse as digital technology, mathematics, neuroscience, medicine and more. Radical Fiber explores this relationship through contemporary art and historical artifacts that address five key themes: shape, machine, body, brain and community. How did the accidental discovery of synthetic mauveine dye in 1856 pave the way for modern pharmaceuticals while also generating toxic waste? Why do we respond differently to a woven photograph than a printed one? These and other questions reframe the fiber/science intersection and ask how the medium can be used to improve our world for the future.
Radical Fiber features a new artwork created by amateur and professional makers around the globe: the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, part of the Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. Alongside numerous unidentified artists, additional artists and creators include: Lia Cook, Brock Craft, Veronica Dry, Anna Dumitriu, Ellis Developments, Hanne Kekkonen, Kintra Fibers, Elaine Krajenke Ellison, Karen Norberg, William Henry Perkin, Helen Remick, Dario Robleto, Daniela Rosner, Samantha Shorey, John Sims, Soft Monitor (Victoria Manganiello and Julian Goldman), Daina Taimina, Cecilia Vicuña and Carolyn Yackel.
Table of Contents
“Welcome”: Ian Berry
“Shape, Machine, Brain, Body, Community: An Introduction”: Rebecca McNamara
“Threads throughout History”: In Conversation: Dario Robleto and Elissa Auther
“The Neural Artistry of the Brain”: Sarita Lagalwar
“A Psychological and Neuroscientific Study of Emotions in Textiles”: Denise Evert
“Dyes for Fashion and Wellness”: Elaine Larsen
“Textiles, Technology, and Social Good”: In Conversation: Trisha Andrew, Emilie Giles, and Ursula Wolz with Aarathi Prasad
“Art and Technology, Intrinsically Woven”: Sang-Wook Lee
“Toward a More Accessible Software Industry”: Aarathi Prasad
“Knitting, from Fiber to Designer Textiles”: Rebecca Trousil
“Making Visible: Math, Craft, Culture”: In Conversation: John Sims, Jeffrey C. Splitstoser, and Daina Taimina with Stephen Ornes
“The Strange Universe of Hyperbolic Geometry”: Mark Huibregtse
“Stitching Dynamical Systems”: Rachel Roe-Dale
“Textile Mathematics: Models for Pedagogy”: Rachel Roe-Dale and Rachel Seligman
“The Future of Textiles and Sustainability”: In Conversation: Preeti Arya, Alissa Baier-Lentz, and Juan Hinestroza with Nurcan Atalan-Helicke
“The Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef: Crocheting Eco-Consciousness in Community”: Rebecca McNamara
Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef Contributors
Selected Bibliography
Exhibition Checklist
Exhibition Artist Biographies
Contributor Biographies
Acknowledgments
Image Credits