knittingflitting

The next exhibit I saw of Judy Chicago’s was “The Birth Project” shown in an art gallery in Toronto. 

None of your “Madonna” pictures, but the open, nude body of a female as the midwife or doctor might see it.  Worked in several very familiar techniques but, again, not as thought of previously. 

One version is done in black crochet cotton thread in a filet pattern hung against a neutral coloured wall.  This huge piece is a challenge in technique and patience alone.  (It is 92” x 222”)  The dark and open sections create so very much texture and interest that I could study it for ages.  Thanks to the catalogue I will be able to study it more than I had time for at this recent show.

Several pictures were worked in red and others had a wide range of colours.  There were quilts, needlework, and tapestry.

What should also be noted is that all these works were designed and worked by women in celebration of women and their role in society.  Very much an attempt to move from the “male” view of art, females and their handwork.  Not surprising that many were again affronted by the female sexuality presented in such a different view.

………more to come