For geographers and other social scientists, "place" is not simply a physical location. The concept of place includes both tangible and intangible characteristics, and it reflects the ever-changing nature of a geographical area.
Textiles are often key elements in defining a sense of place. Around the world, quilted, appliquéd, and pieced textiles help create specific spaces, especially temporary and ceremonial ones. Weddings, religious services, community meetings, the welcoming of guests—all these activities are augmented through use of carefully formed fabric surroundings.
Marin Hanson, Curator of International Collections at the International Quilt Museum (IQM), will talk about the carefully crafted cloth environments represented in the IQM’s current exhibition, “Placemaking: Quilts and the Creation of Special Spaces,” including those formed by Egyptian khayamiya (appliquéd tent panels), Kyrgyz tush ki’iz (yurt hangings), and prayer rugs from across the Muslim world.
Textile Talks features weekly presentations and panel discussions from the International Quilt Museum, Quilt Alliance, Studio Art Quilt Associates, and Surface Design Association. The programs are held online at 2 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m. Pacific) each Wednesday.
Interested in supporting Textile Talks?
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