Collection Focus: Polish Fiber at RAM

Exhibition on view at RAM October 30, 2024 – February 22, 2025

Fiber art, as a self-conscious artistic practice, often develops parallel to (or sometimes intersects with) more traditional modes of textile production, such as industry and hobby-oriented handcraft. Since the 1970s, Łódź, Poland—the historical site of a significant textile industry—has been the home to a triennial exhibition of fiber-related work by almost 150 artists from over 50 countries. This survey of innovative fiber from across the globe significantly impacts both the artists of the host country and those further afield. Polish artists interested in working with fiber are directly presented with new modes of production and a wide range of ideas.

This Collection Focus exhibition featuring fiber works from Polish artists builds on the 2015 debut of pieces gifted by Camille and Alex Cook. Since then, more works from a similar period—1980s to mid-2000s—have been added to this area of RAM’s collection. This emphasis is unique to craft-focused institutions in North America and complements an organization situated in a community with large Polish populations in the surrounding cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. With over 35 pieces included, the exhibition highlights Polish fiber art in both a microscopic and macroscopic way—showcasing the efforts of artists from a certain area of the world who, in turn, also reflect global interests.

Collection Focus: Polish Fiber at RAM was funded in large part by the Walter S. Smolenski, Jr. and Sr. Polish History and Culture Fund within the Racine Community Foundation. The publication includes an essay by RAM Director of Exhibitions Lena Vigna and an interview about building a Polish fiber collection with RAM Executive Director and Curator of Collections Bruce W. Pepich and notable collector Camille Cook.

16 pages
Softbound
© 2024 Racine Art Museum

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