Textiles, Community and Controversy: The Knitting Map

This book explores the social, philosophical, and critical issues surrounding contemporary textile art, focusing on The Knitting Map, a major textile artwork created by 2,000 knitters from 22 countries. It examines gestures of community and controversy in textile art practices and their place in Irish art history. The collection brings together leading art critics and textile scholars to explore key issues in textile practice, including gender, class, nation, technology, and performance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book delves into the intricate realm of contemporary textile art, utilizing the captivating masterpiece, "The Knitting Map," as a focal point for its exploration. It poses profound questions about society, philosophy, and critical discourse, shedding light on the multifaceted issues surrounding this vibrant art form. By examining the gestures of community and controversy that permeate contemporary textile art practices, both as processes and objects, the book uncovers the rich tapestry of artistic expression.

The Knitting Map, a remarkable textile artwork, was brought to life by over 2,000 knitters from 22 diverse countries, predominantly working-class women. This extraordinary creation sparked national controversy in Ireland, becoming a testament to the power of art to ignite social change. Textiles, Community, and Controversy, a comprehensive examination of this multi-modal masterpiece, situates it within the broader context of feminist arts practice, referencing the works of renowned artists such as Judy Chicago, Faith Ringold, and the Guerilla Girls.

The collection brings together a distinguished panel of art critics and textile scholars, including the esteemed Lucy Lippard, Jessica Hemmings, and Joanne Turney. Through their insightful contributions, the book delves into critical themes in textile practice, encompassing gender, class, nation, technology, and performance. It offers a profound examination of the ways in which textiles shape our understanding of identity, culture, and society, challenging our preconceptions and expanding our horizons.

"The Knitting Map" serves as a catalyst for this intellectual journey, inviting us to explore the complexities of contemporary textile art and its profound impact on our world. By unraveling the threads that connect these artistic expressions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the power of art to inspire, provoke, and transform. This book is a testament to the enduring relevance of textile art and its ability to shape our collective consciousness.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 243 x 184 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350027527