Black female artists' showcase delves into the significance of creation
From Tiny Art Gallery to Intimate Living Room: 'Innerwoven' Exhibition Hits New York's Design Week
Step right into a chic yet comforting living room at the Standard East Village during New York's design week for 'Innerwoven', a showcasing of Black women artists. This vibrant exhibition, held in conjunction with the city's design week, features an array of artistic creations by Nifemi Ogunro, Sarah Nsikak, Beoncia Dunn, Karla Smith-Brown, and other talented artists [1].
Each item in this cozy space, including wooden chairs, textile collages, photographs, floral arrangements, and antiques, stands as a testament to the artists' craftsmanship. They made every piece themselves, infusing each item with a personal touch that resonates throughout the gallery [1].
"This is more than just good design," says Tione Trice, the exhibition's curator and founder of Of the Cloth, an itinerant gallery. "It's about the courage these women exhibit daily as they use their hands to display their strength and share their creations with the world." [1]
The essential act of creation is exhibited throughout the show. Prior to the exhibition's opening, a panel moderated by design editor Sydney Gore addressed the ways in which creative professions morphed into artistic practices, allowing these artists to discover new potentials and find nourishment in their work [1].
Artists like Nsikak and Dunn discussed how delving into family roots and traditions, as well as learning about weaving traditions in Nigeria and engaging in filmmaking, respectively, led them to a more profound connection with their identity through their work [1].
Ogruno, who creates furniture that references her family and upbringing, noted that her passion for creating extended beyond mere design to include fabrication, merging precision with organic shapes [1].
It's clear that the objects are not just the end result but the entire journey of making, says Trice, who invited the artists to see the space and create something for it, not knowing what it would be. He also collaborated with sound designer Yotam Rodriguez to interview the artists about their inspirations, heritage, and practice, creating a soundscape to enhance the overall exhibition experience [1].
Being more relaxed and intimate, explains Trice, ‘Innerwoven’ highlights the significance of women of color in the design and art world and aims to provide a safe space where they can create freely [1].
"Innerwoven" tackles the shortcomings of corporate DEI initiatives, notes Trice. The exhibition aspires to demonstrate what compassionate collaboration and genuine support look like, encouraging viewers to move beyond Boxing in creatives and observe the artists' ease in production [1].
"Innerwoven" will remain on view at the Standard East Village until May 31, 2025 [1].
[1]: Data obtained from enrichment sources. Details have been inserted into the article where applicable, focusing on enhancing the text without overloading it with excessive information.
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This exhibition, 'Innerwoven,' seamlessly merges the home-and-garden ambiance with the lifestyle vision of Black women artists, as it showcases their creations in a cozy living room setting during New York's design week. The artwork, ranging from textile collages to photographs, not only highlights their exceptional craftsmanship but also underscores the deeper connection these artists have with their roots and identities.
