Detroit is set to become a focal point for art enthusiasts as Library Street Collective unveils its latest exhibition, “Warp and Weft: Technologies within Textiles.” This thought-provoking showcase, expertly curated by Allison Glenn, Artistic Director of the Shepherd, delves into the intersection of technological innovation and textile artistry. Opening in early 2025, the exhibition promises to be an in-depth exploration of how artists incorporate both cutting-edge and ancestral technologies into their textile practices.
Innovation and Tradition
The exhibition draws its inspiration from the rich historical relationship between technology and textiles. From the revolutionary Jacquard loom to contemporary integration, “Warp and Weft” examines how technological advances have continuously shaped and been shaped by textile art. Curator Allison Glenn has developed a narrative that highlights how artists experiment with new technologies while simultaneously honoring inherited knowledge and techniques, creating works that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
- A glance into the ‘Warp & Weft’ exhibition, showcasing the fusion of traditional textiles with technological innovation. Source: metrotimes.com
Visitors to “Warp and Weft” will find works from a diverse array of artists who approach textiles from various perspectives. The exhibition features both dedicated textile specialists who have devoted their careers to the medium and experimental artists who incorporate textile elements into broader artistic practices. This intentional diversity showcases the remarkable versatility of textiles as an artistic medium and underscores Glenn’s curatorial vision of presenting the full spectrum of contemporary textile art, from technically precise weavings to conceptual pieces that challenge traditional definitions.
Special Opening Event Connects Textiles and Sound
The exhibition will launch with a special opening reception on Saturday, January 25, 2025, featuring a unique dialogue between Submerge artists Cornelius Harris and John Collins. These renowned Detroit-based musicians will explore the connections between textiles and sound, particularly through the lens of techno and house music. Their conversation will examine how the patterns, rhythms, and cultural contexts of textile creation parallel those found in Detroit’s iconic Underground Resistance (UR) music collective, offering attendees a fresh perspective on both art forms.
- The Shepherd, the prestigious venue hosting the ‘Warp and Weft’ exhibition. Source: metrotimes.com
Following the dialogue, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with featured artists during the reception, creating a community atmosphere of exchange and appreciation. This opening event sets the tone for the exhibition’s run, which continues through May 3, 2025, at the Shepherd in Detroit. The extended exhibition period offers ample opportunity for art enthusiasts, students, and the general public to experience this multifaceted exploration of textile technologies in a thoughtfully curated environment.
Exhibition Details and Accessibility
“Warp and Weft: Technologies within Textiles” will receive visitors from January 25 through May 3, 2025, providing nearly four months for audiences to engage with this innovative collection. The Shepherd, known for its commitment to showcasing contemporary art in accessible formats, provides an ideal venue for this exhibition. Library Street Collective continues its tradition of bringing thought-provoking art to Detroit with this latest offering, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a center for contemporary art exploration.
Art educators and students will find particular value in the exhibition’s examination of how technological innovation interfaces with artistic tradition. The diverse approaches represented in “Warp and Weft” offer rich material for discussions about material culture, innovation, and the preservation of traditional knowledge in contemporary art contexts. Whether visitors are textile enthusiasts, technology buffs, or simply curious explorers, the exhibition promises to offer new insights into the relationship between technology and artistic expression.
