Key points
Second edition of The Golden Thread by BravinLee Programs.
More than 60 artists and 100 works exhibited, including 8 in situ installations .
The exhibition celebrates textile art as a major and subversive artistic medium.
Dialogue between tradition and innovation , craftsmanship and conceptualism .
Immersive, sensory and narrative works around thread, fabric and fiber .
BravinLee Programs is pleased to present the return of The Golden Thread : A Textile Art Exhibition with its second edition, highlighting the dynamic and diverse world of textile art. This year, the exhibition features an expanded selection, with over 60 artists presenting more than 100 works, including eight installations specifically designed for the venue, transforming the exhibition space into a vibrant exploration of fiber-related mediums.
The Golden Thread continues its mission to showcase textile art, celebrating the creative possibilities and diverse expressions this medium offers. The exhibition is not simply a collection of works; it is an invitation to discover how artists push traditional boundaries and challenge established hierarchies in the art world.
A new chapter in textile art
In his 2024 essay , The Golden Thread: New Adventures in Textile Art , Christian Viveros-Fauné highlights the remarkable evolution of textile art over the past century. Traditionally perceived as a functional craft—embroidery, quilting, tapestry, and rug design—textile art was often excluded from the realm of “high art.” However, over time, the medium has undergone a renaissance, with artists around the world exploring its boundaries in innovative ways. Viveros-Fauné explains that textile art now occupies a unique position, where its outsider status has allowed it to thrive outside of traditional art canons. This evolution not only recognizes the cultural richness of textile practices, but also elevates them to the status of prestigious art.
As Viveros-Fauné says, “Textile art now seems poised to capitalize on its previous outsider status—primarily by asking questions about the assumed hierarchies of art.” In The Golden Thread 2 , this theme comes to life through artists reimagining the possibilities of fiber and challenging traditional conceptions of what constitutes art.
The Golden Thread 2
This year's edition features an impressive roster of 2,025 artists, each bringing their own unique perspective to textile art. Featured artists include Liv Aanrud, Alissa Alfonso, Abdolreza Aminlari, and many others, who contribute to the richness of textile art with works spanning a wide range of styles, techniques, and concepts.
Artists such as Samantha Bittman, Julia Bland, and Eileen Braun explore the tactile and visual language of fabric, transforming everyday materials into captivating works of art. The works of artists such as Valerie Hegarty and Sylvia Schwartz explore themes of nature, transformation, and personal history, all through the complex process of fiber manipulation.
The exhibition also includes innovative installations by artists such as Caitlin McCormack and Tali Halpern, who engage with the space itself, creating immersive environments that invite viewers to interact and contemplate the textile works in a new way.
Discover textile art in a new light
The Golden Thread is more than just an exhibition; it is an immersive journey into the heart of contemporary textile art. Whether a large-scale installation or a meticulously embroidered piece, each work in the exhibition encourages viewers to rethink the role of textiles in our daily lives. The exhibition creates a dialogue between tradition and innovation, craft and conceptualism, opening new avenues to explore how fiber can function as both art and expression.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to experience these works firsthand, experiencing the textures, colors, and techniques that make each piece unique. It's a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity involved in creating textile works and to understand the rich cultural history behind many of the techniques and materials used.
FAQ - The Golden Thread 2
Where is the exhibition being held?
The exhibition takes place in the BravinLee Programs space (New York, USA), transformed to host this immersive edition.
What makes this edition stand out?
It presents an expanded selection with new works, including 8 installations specially designed for the venue.
Who are the participating artists?
Over 60 international artists, including Liv Aanrud, Samantha Bittman, Valerie Hegarty and Caitlin McCormack.
What is the main theme?
The exhibition explores how textile art challenges traditional artistic norms and revalues artisanal practices.
Nicolas Sarazin