Hmmmmmm… So, I am part of MANY quilt Facebook groups. And we all know Facebook can get a little “political” now and then..
In one of the groups, a woman posted that she attended a quilt show in Tampa, FL, and she was quite disturbed by the political activism quilts that were part of the exhibit. Several people commented before the post was removed by the group admins, but I think this brings up a critical discussion point.
ART has always been a medium for communicating political issues, and displaying quilts that show activism of issues, and/or create a discussion about politics have their place. We have a Constitutional amendment that protects freedom of speech, and quilting is another medium of communicating.
First, let’s look at the post.
You can see my comment. Quilts are expression, just like letters to the editor, political commentary, activism, or even signs held during protests. We have freedom of speech, and in this case, the organizers of the quilt show have elected to allow that freedom of speech to be visible to the public through textile art.
More articles about political activism in quilts:
- http://worldquilts.quiltstudy.org/americanstory/engagement/awareness-activism
- https://hyperallergic.com/429923/quilt-con-2018-modern-quilt-guild/
- http://www.academia.edu/25091763/Quilts_for_the_Twenty-First_Century_Activism_in_the_Expanded_Field_of_Quilting
While some may not agree with the political message, I feel it is CRITICAL that we, as quilters, continue to create in our own voice. Political activism through art has a rich history, and it has incited controversy, as well as positive change.
We NEED these conversations. And stifling the message will only continue to bring more hate. Let this door stay open, please, and allow ALL people to voice their opinions in whatever medium they are most comfortable with.
Final note: From what I can tell, having not seen this quilt show in person, the quilts in question might come from the “Young Artivists: Quilts from the Social Justice Sewing Academy” exhibit, which is showcasing the work of young people in the Social Justice Sewing Academy. These are not voices we want to quiet, and I welcome every opportunity to view and share these images.
If anyone has any additional information, or even images from this quilt show, PLEASE SHARE THEM WITH ME!
I found these on Instagram, on mamanda57‘s posts. PLEASE contact me so I can add credit.
Cover image by Darci Read, “Feminist Quilt” from the Hyperallergic, “Quilts as Tools for Resistance” article.
