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Debra Disman

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Stitching

“String Theory” plays at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod!

January 30, 2024 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be participating in “String Theory“, an exhibition focusing on the versatility and creative potential of fiber, at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod.

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Opening Reception Friday, February 9, 5–7pm

Exploring the possibilities within fiber art to showcase the beauty and versatility of the medium.

FIBER ART can be see as both a new and an old form of art. The use of fibrous materials—woven, knitted, printed, wrapped, tied, sculpted, etc.—has long been a part of human culture. Traditionally, fibrous materials emerged as functional objects but in the aftermath of the World War II and with further investigation into the nature of an art object, fiber art slowly became a force and a movement in its own right. 

DURING THE 1950s, as artists received recognition, the term “fiber art” was coined to help describe and categorise their work. During this period, the contribution of craft artists—not just in fiber but in clay, ceramics, and other media—inspired a number of weavers to begin binding fibers into non-functional and non-objective forms to create works of art. The two decades that followed, the 1960s and the ’70s brought an international revolution in fiber art. With the rise of the women’s movement, and the consequences of feminist art, along with the birth of postmodernism theory, fiber art was reinforced and popularized.

FORMS OF FIBER ART include sewing, quilting, needle point, macrame, weaving, felting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, rug-making, basket weaving and many more. As the years pass, different forms of fiber art have increased and decreased in popular artist interest. Macrame, for example, became very popular during the Victorian era, faded out of focus, then regained popularity in the 1970s. Today fiber art, in all its increasingly varied forms and styles, is more popular than ever and os one of the fastest-growing art forms of the 21st century.

The exhibition explores the wide range of possibilities within fiber art, including but not limited to weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and felting. It will showcase the beauty and versatility of fiber as a medium.

I will be showing a work that has not yet been exhibited publicly: 

Blue Tapestry (Here’s To The Red, White + Blue), 2021, 18.75 x 6.5″
a hanging textile work made of hemp cord, linen thread and repurposed plastic placemat material.
This work is part of a three piece series, which also includes “Red Notebook” and “White Album”,  created in response to the re-evaluation of our national identity provoked by recent and historical events and conditions, and resulting turmoil.


VIEW THE SHOW VIDEO!

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Exhibitions, TEXTILE/FIBER, Work Tagged With: Cape Cod, Cape Cod Culture, Contemporary Art, contemporary art using fiber, Contemporary works engaging fiber, Craft, crocheting, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, embroidery, felting, Feminist, Fiber, fiber artworks, fiber as a medium, fibert artist, Group Show, knitting, Molly Demeulenaere, Paper, Red White and Blue, Stitching, String, String Theory, Textiles, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Thread, Weaving, Women's Work

EXHIBITIONISTA: “String Theory” at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod

January 30, 2024 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to participate in:
“String Theory” at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod

ST_TITLE2.png

Opening Reception Friday, February 9, 5–7pm

Exploring the possibilities within fiber art to showcase the beauty and versatility of the medium.

The exhibition explores the wide range of possibilities within fiber art, including but not limited to weaving, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and felting. It will showcase the beauty and versatility of fiber as a medium.
SEE THE SHOW HERE!

I will be showing a work that has not yet been exhibited publicly: 
Blue Tapestry (Here’s To The Red, White and Blue), 2021, 18.75 x 6.5″,
repurposed placemat, hemp cord, linen thread

WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE SHOW HERE!

Tagged With: Cape Cod, Contemporary Art, contemporary art using fiber, crocheting, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, embroidery, felting, Fiber, fiber artworks, fiber as a medium, fibert artist, Group Show, knitting, Molly Demeulenaere, Red White and Blue, Stitching, String, String Theory, Textile, Textiles, Thread, Weaving

EXHIBITIONISTA:  Brand 51 Annual National Exhibition of Works on Paper!

May 6, 2023 By Debra Disman

I am thrilled to be a part of the  Brand 51 Annual National Exhibition of Works on Paper at the  Brand Library and Art Center, Glendale, CA, juried by  Ara Oshagan

The Associates of Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale, California, announces its 51st Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper. This year’s juror is internationally known photographer, curator, author, and speaker, Ara Oshagan. A resident of Glendale, Ara is the co-curator of ReflectSpace Gallery at Glendale Central Library. Since 2017, ReflectSpace Gallery has installed nearly forty exhibitions focused on current and historical social issues that have local, national and international impact. As co-curator, Ara exhibits contemporary art as well as archives, employing a vast range of media from drawing to photography, to painting, projection, sound, installation, public art, technology-based and interactive media. His artistic practice demonstrates a keen eye and appreciation for conceptual as well as representational art.

Catalog: A printed catalog of the exhibition will be available for purchase and will be accessible online.

Sales: Unless specified not for sale (NFS), all artworks will be offered for sale. A portion of all sales will benefit the Associates of Brand Library & Art Center.

The Associates of Brand Library & Art Center is an all-volunteer non-profit that raises funds to support the extensive free and public events offered at Brand including gallery exhibitions, classical and popular music performances, film screenings, dance performances, and activities for people of all ages. Entry fees and commissions from the sale of artworks from Brand 51 will be used to continue the important cultural programming that Brand Library & Art Center brings to the community.

Contact Debra Thompson, Brand 51 Exhibition Chair: debra@associatesofbrand.org

Tagged With: Ara Oshagan, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Associates of Brand Library & Art Center, Black, Black artwork, Black Book, Black on Black on Black, Black Sculpture, brand, Brand 51, Brand 51 Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper, Brand Associates, Brand Associates Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper, Contemporary Artwork, Cord, Environment, Fiber, HEMP CORD, Los Angeles Contemporary Artists, Mixed media, Monochrome, Mulberry paper, Paper, Printing, Sculpture, Stitching, Torrent and Tangle: Keep Your House in Order Website:

EXHIBITIONISTA: BRAND 51!!! Third Time’s a Charm….

May 1, 2023 By Debra Disman


I am honored to be in the Brand 51 Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper which will be on view at Brand Library and Art Center in Glendale, California, from July 8 through September 1, 2023. I had the pleasure of participating in 2019; as well as in 2021 in collaboration with artist Luciana Abait.

The Associates of Brand Library & Art Center in Glendale, California, announces its 51st Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper. This year’s juror is internationally known photographer, curator, author, and speaker, Ara Oshagan. A resident of Glendale, Ara is the co-curator of ReflectSpace Gallery  at Glendale Central Library. Since 2017, ReflectSpace Gallery has installed nearly forty exhibitions focused on current and historical social issues that have local, national and international impact. As co-curator, Ara exhibits contemporary art as well as archives, employing a vast range of media from drawing to photography, to painting, projection, sound, installation, public art, technology-based and interactive media. His artistic practice demonstrates a keen eye and appreciation for conceptual as well as representational art.

A printed catalog of the exhibition will be available for purchase and will be accessible online.

The Associates of Brand Library & Art Center is an all-volunteer non-profit that raises funds to support the extensive free and public events offered at Brand including gallery exhibitions, classical and popular music performances, film screenings, dance performances, and activities for people of all ages. Entry fees and commissions from the sale of artworks from Brand 51 will be used to continue the important cultural programming that Brand Library & Art Center brings to the community.

 

Tagged With: Ara Oshagan, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Associates of Brand Library & Art Center, Black, Black artwork, Black Book, Black on Black on Black, Black Sculpture, Brand 51, Brand 51 Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper, Brand Associates Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper, Contemporary Artwork, Cord, Environment, Fiber, HEMP CORD, Los Angeles Contemporary Artists, Mixed media, Monochrome, Mulberry paper, Paper, Printing, Sculpture, Stitching, Torrent and Tangle: Keep Your House in Order

Walking Through “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do”

May 1, 2023 By Debra Disman

Photographer Gene Ogami documented my 2023 solo show, “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” at ReflectSpace Gallery in the Glendale Central Library.
The ten images below provide a virtual walk-through of the exhibition, which was, as I shared with the curators, Ara and Anahid Oshagan, a dream come true that I did not even know I had.

Gratitude to them, to Gene, and to so many others who supported this realization.


Walking into the meditative gallery space from the main library.


Catching some of the larger pieces through the vitrine reflections.


Capturing exhibition signage, the “Concurrencies” artists’ book, the two Concurrencies hangings, and “Throes of the Body” in the vitrine.


A favorite corner of the Curators, Installers and myself!


“Three Sisters and Their Mother” on the wall, hanging over the titular work, “I Can’t I Won’t I Will I Do” on shelf.


“Finally, and Just For A Minute” suspended. Black on black on black is challenging to photograph.


A shot that manages to include over half the pieces in the show.


Gene was able to present me surrounded and supported by my works.


We were able to employ the hallway to present other works, and enlargements of the images featured in my artists’ book, “Concurrencies”, comparing the lives and works of artists Charlotte Salomon and Eva Hesse.


The Journey Continues.
In gratitude and appreciation.

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, Exhibitions, TEXTILE/FIBER, Women Artists, Work Tagged With: "I Can't I Won't I Will I Do", Anahid Oshagan, Ara Oshagan, Art Gallery, Book as Sculpture, Books, Charlotte Salomon, City of Glendale, Concurrencies, Curators Ara Oshagan and  Anahid Oshagan, Documentary Photography, Eva Hesse, Fiber, Fiber Art, Gene Ogami, Glendale Arts and Culture, Glendale Central Library, Glendale Library Arts and Culture, Handmade Books, Hanging, Mark Henry Samuel, Poetry Consults, RefectSpaceGallery, ReflectSpace, ReflectSpaceGallery, Sewing, Solo Exhibition, Solo Show, Stitching, Tapestry, Textile Art, Textiles, Tina Demirdjian

NEW WORK in 2021: “Forest Through The Trees”

December 20, 2021 By Debra Disman

I was happy to finally be able to have Elon Schoenholz Photography in to photograph works completed during 2021… fast away the old year passes…

Here I share “Forest through The Trees“, 15 x 42 x 12”, made of book board, canvas, hemp cord, ribbon, typewriter ribbon, acrylic paint, wood.
It is part of a monochrome series in black, through the colors of “black” are infinite, and change with light, material, juxtaposition, and how the viewer engages with the piece.

Comprised of two accordion-folded “spines”, the “book”, becomes a “box”, with a “door” that opens, expandable “walls”, and  painted canvas “pages” held up precariously with wooden dowels. The piece can be presented and contemplated in numerous ways, and begs a tactile connection, through all of us working in book, and perhaps sculptural forms in general grapple with how to do this.  How to have viewers engage with the work, participate in it, without having it worn away over time in the process…

We are seekers.
The Journey continues.

Happy New Year.

(exterior, closed)

(exterior, ajar)

(interior/exterior, open)

Filed Under: ARTISTS, Artists' Books, BOOKS, New Work, Work Tagged With: 2021 Work, Accordion Fold, ARTIST'S BOOKS, Black, Books To Boxes, Boxes, Canvas, COLOR, Conceptual Works, Constructions, Contemporary Artist, Covers, Elon Schoenholz Photography, Fiber, HEMP CORD, Labor, Los Angles Artists, minimalist, Mixed media, Monochrome, New Work, Repetition, Sculpture, Spiral, Stitch, Stitching, Textiles, Three-dimensional works, Work

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