Feminist Subjectivities in Fiber Art and Craft: Shadows of Affect

This book explores the sculpture of eight US and Latin American women artists who use fiber art and craft to create embodied affective experiences. It argues that fiber art is well-positioned to lead art at the vanguard of affect theory and twenty-first-century feminist subjectivities, based on the work of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of fiber art and craft-inspired sculpture, exploring the works of eight US and Latin American women artists who have mastered the art of inciting embodied affective experiences. Drawing upon the profound insights of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, John Corso-Esquivel posits craft as a tangible manifestation of intuition, a concept that resonates deeply within the pages of this thought-provoking publication. The book takes a bold stance by asserting that fiber art, which has often been marginalized in the aftermath of the high-low dichotomy prevalent in late Modernism, holds the potential to become a leading force in the realm of affect theory and the emerging feminist subjectivities of the twenty-first century.

Through a meticulous examination of the artists' diverse approaches and techniques, the book unveils the profound emotional and sensory dimensions that these sculptures convey. It highlights the ways in which fiber art can tap into the primal instincts of the body and evoke a range of emotions, from joy and wonder to introspection and contemplation. By challenging traditional notions of art as a purely visual or conceptual realm, the book encourages a deeper understanding of the role of the artist's body and the sensory experiences it encompasses.

Moreover, the book explores the feminist implications of fiber art and craft-inspired sculpture. It argues that these works challenge patriarchal narratives and power structures by subverting traditional notions of femininity and masculinity. Through their use of fiber, which is often associated with domesticity and nurturing, these artists reclaim the power to shape and define their own identities and narratives. They challenge the notion that art is solely the domain of the male gaze and instead offer a platform for women to express their perspectives and experiences in a powerful and meaningful way.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of fiber art and craft-inspired sculpture, offering a fresh perspective on the potential of these mediums to inspire and transform. Through its insightful analysis and provocative assertions, it demonstrates the power of art to elicit embodied affective experiences and challenge societal norms. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of contemporary art and the role of women artists in shaping it.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367785758