All Tied Up: Knitted and Knotted Works in RAM’s Collection

December 21, 2008 – March 8, 2009

(Left)
Carol Eckert
Staff of the Fire Shaman, 2000
Dyed cotton, wire, painted wood, metal, and glass seed beads
70 1/2 x 6 3/4 inches diameter
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Artist

(Right)
Carol Eckert
Staff of the Prophets, 2000
Dyed cotton, wire, painted wood, metal, and glass seed beads
73 x 10 1/2 x 4 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Karen Johnson Boyd
Photography: Jon Bolton

Knotting is one of the oldest techniques used to join fibers. Cultures throughout human history have employed this method for the creation of functional fiber works. In the 20th century, contemporary fiber artists investigated a host of traditional knotting practices as a means to explore the past of their chosen medium. These artists broke new aesthetic ground by adapting techniques to construct modern sculptural works with ancient materials.

Coinciding with Arline Fisch’s current exhibitions and the celebrated arrival of Lloyd Coten’s Contemporary American Basket Collection, this exhibition features works from RAM’s permanent collection that demonstrate diverse knotting techniques, used on a variety of materials.

More About the Exhibition

Exhibition Notes (PDF)

Press Room