El Espacio 23, the contemporary art space founded by renowned philanthropist and art collector Jorge M. Pérez, has unveiled its fourth exhibition, titled “To Weave the Sky: Textile Abstractions from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection.” This groundbreaking show, open to the public from November 2nd, 2023 to August 2024, showcases a diverse range of textile-based artworks from Pérez’s private collection, many of which have never been publicly exhibited before. The exhibition aims to shed light on the rich traditions of textile abstraction across generations and cultures, inviting visitors to engage in creative dialogues with artworks presented in other mediums.
Jorge M. Pérez, a passionate advocate for the power of art to connect people and cultures, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating, “Art will always serve as a universal language that helps bridge cultures and brings people together. Textile works, in particular, offer a unique glimpse into diverse traditions, showcasing how everyday materials and timeless craftsmanship can inspire new methods of creative expression. We anticipate that this show will spark meaningful dialogues and enrich our understanding of textiles.”
Curated by Tobias Ostrander, Estrellita B. Brodsky Curator at Large, Latin America at Tate Modern, in collaboration with curators Patricia M. Hanna and Anelys Alvarez from the Pérez Collection, “To Weave the Sky” celebrates the centuries-old tradition of textiles and the contemporary fascination with the medium. The exhibition features over 100 intergenerational artists from around the world, presenting works that explore themes such as abstraction, geometry, landscape, organic materials, and indigenous cosmologies.
The exhibition is divided into five distinct sections, each contributing to the exploration of textile abstractions:
1. Chromatic Structures: This section showcases artworks that employ dynamic color-blocking techniques, creating a visual play between sensuality and geometric rationality. Renowned artists such as Kenneth Noland, Gene Davis, and Frank Stella are featured alongside emerging talents like Patrick Dean Hubbell, Ad Minolitti, Candida Alvarez, and Frances Trombly.
2. Landscape Gestures: In this group, paintings and contemporary weavings explore the connections between formal abstraction, landscapes, organic materials, and rectilinear patterning. Artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Lee Krasner, Igshaan Adams, Sanford Biggers, Nnenna Okore, and Kapwani Kiwanga draw inspiration from nature and its vibrant colors, evoking rhythmic rituals of weaving.
3. Spiritual Constellations: Works in this section delve into indigenous cosmologies and the spiritual significance of weaving. Latin American and African ancestral traditions serve as sources of inspiration, with gold used as both an alchemical material and a symbol of divine light. Artists such as Olga de Amaral, Rubem Valentim, Sheila Hicks, Ernesto Neto, Eamon Ore-Giron, and Carolina Caycedo offer glimpses into rich cultural narratives tied to weaving and textiles.
4. Political Fabric: This section presents artworks that address political conflicts, displacement, migration, and feminist activism through fabrics, felt, clothing, and embroidery. Tapestries, known for their narrative qualities, depict contemporary economic and political struggles. Artists like Teresa Margolles, Reynier Leyva Novo, Laura Lima, Ellen Lesperance, and Ana Gallardo contribute thought-provoking pieces to this section.
5. Threadbare: Reflecting on emotional exposure and issues of identity, this section uses the metaphor of a threadbare fabric. Artists like Faith Ringgold, Ghada Amer, Philip Pearlstein, Guillermo Kuitca, Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, Yanira Collado, and Bisa Butler explore the human body, self-exploration, and the storytelling elements associated with beds and quilting.
To enhance the exhibition experience, El Espacio 23 will publish a comprehensive catalog titled “To Weave the Sky: Textile Abstractions from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection.” The catalog includes an essay by Tobias Ostrander and newly commissioned interviews with artists Polly Apfelbaum, Carolina Caycedo, Yanira Collado, Patrick Dean Hubbel, and Nnenna Okore.
Additionally, as part of their ongoing residency, El Espacio 23 will welcome two new artists during the exhibition’s opening week: Patrick Dean Hubbell and Maria A. Guzmán Capron. Throughout 2024, the art space will continue to host artists, including Irene Infantes, anelis Mora, Alice Wagner, and Manuel Chavajay.
Visitors can enjoy the show free of charge. Hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. To reserve a time, and for more information about guided tours, please visit www.elespacio23.com or email info@elespacio23.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.