Sanford Biggers, Claire Campbell Park, Sonya Clark, Liliana Porter, Soledad Salamé, Joyce J. Scott, Elizabeth Talford Scott, Alan Shields, Jo Smail, and Paula Wilson
Curated by Amy Raehse
February 8 - March 10, 2025, at Goya Contemporary Gallery
Reception: February 22 from 5pm-7pm
Thread Lines is an exhibition that showcases the work of contemporary artists who integrate sewing techniques and fibers into a wide range of artistic forms, from drawings and paintings to prints, wall hangings, and sculptures. The exhibition explores the emotional depth capable within a single thread, blending traditional methods with innovative approaches of using thread to examine the symbolic ties that connect individuals and communities.
From artblog by Susan Issacs
...."Other artists in the exhibition display more abstractly conceived approaches to the theme of thread lines. Jo Smail’s “Painting with Topknot” (2009) and “Virtuoso Fingers” (2011) are extremely appealing. Born in South Africa, she has been Baltimore-based since 1985. Smail has an international resume but is perhaps more well known in Baltimore than Philadelphia as she taught at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her understanding of abstract composition and whimsy is on view.
In Smail’s “Virtuoso Fingers”, canvas – a woven textile – is shown off with painted and collaged elements sparsely and superbly placed. Loose threads unravel from another strip of partially painted canvas. Collage elements with black and white lines echo thread lines. A pink- and black-painted rectangle creates an asymmetrical balance. Smail creates spaces that are at once teetering and balanced, expansive and intimate."....
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