1/2 Flex by the Rag Rug Study Group
1/2 Flex is a three-day exhibition (6-8 September) hosted by the Rag Rug Study Group that includes fresh-off-the-loom rag rugs by New York-based artists Mariah Smith and Mae Colburn and invited guest artist, Francesca Martinazzi from Italy. All three use scraps of worn, surplus and discarded fabric to create complex, meaningful compositions that refer to this medium’s domestic function while examining its aesthetic and narrative possibilities.
Image and image above: Mariah Smith, 7 Rugs.
The exhibition title, combining the terms 1.5-bedroom and 2-bedroom flex, refers to the flexible, improvised nature of NYC apartment living. If an apartment can be transformed from a 1-bedroom to a 2-bedroom, why can’t a 1.5-bedroom become a gallery? For this exhibition, RRSG is transforming Smith’s bedroom into an exhibition space to create a viewing environment and discursive context specific to this ‘flexible medium’ of rag rugs. ‘Flexible medium’ is Martinazzi’s interpretation of the title, ‘1/2 Flex,’ translated from English to Italian to English. She points out that this interpretation also evokes Anni Albers’ phrase, ‘pliable plane.’
Martinazzi will bring work woven with clothing that belonged to her grandmother and inspired by prehistoric rock engravings found in her local region of Val Camonica, Italy that illustrate the ancient origins of weaving.
Image: Mariah Smith, 7 Rugs.
During open hours, we invite visitors to bring reworked textiles in all techniques to be documented for RRSG’s digital archive. Register to receive an email with address and details about open hours and the opening party here.
Artists:
Francesca Martinazzi (b. 1978) is an artist and weaver based in Val Camonica, Italy. She graduated from Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan and studied weaving with textile artist Paola Besana. In 2016 she started her own woven project called GRATA. ig @g_r_a_t_a
Mariah Smith (b. 1993) is an artist and educator. She received her M.Arch from Princeton University and uses rag rugs as a representational tool for processing thoughts and dreams about the built environment. www.mariahss.com / ig @smithmariahs
Image: Mae Colburn, Hypothetical Rugs individual.
Mae Colburn (b. 1987) studied art history at Bard College. She works as archivist for tapestry artist Helena Hernmarck and collects her rag rug weaving activities under the name Common Loom. www.maecolburn.info / ig @commonloomstudio
About Rag Rug Study Group
Rag Rug Study Group (RRSG) is a research project that facilitates dialogue about textiles produced using worn, surplus, and discarded materials. RRSG advocates an expansive definition of ‘rag rug’ that includes reworked textiles in all techniques including weaving, knitting, quilting, embroidery, crochet, mending, and sewing. They support a mailing list, host in-person events, and maintain an online archive of the work they study. RRSG is a collaboration between New York-based artists and researchers Mariah Smith and Mae Colburn.
Find out more and follow:
www.ragrugstudygroup.net
The exhibition title, combining the terms 1.5-bedroom and 2-bedroom flex, refers to the flexible, improvised nature of NYC apartment living. If an apartment can be transformed from a 1-bedroom to a 2-bedroom, why can’t a 1.5-bedroom become a gallery? For this exhibition, RRSG is transforming Smith’s bedroom into an exhibition space to create a viewing environment and discursive context specific to this ‘flexible medium’ of rag rugs. ‘Flexible medium’ is Martinazzi’s interpretation of the title, ‘1/2 Flex,’ translated from English to Italian to English. She points out that this interpretation also evokes Anni Albers’ phrase, ‘pliable plane.’
Martinazzi will bring work woven with clothing that belonged to her grandmother and inspired by prehistoric rock engravings found in her local region of Val Camonica, Italy that illustrate the ancient origins of weaving.
During open hours, we invite visitors to bring reworked textiles in all techniques to be documented for RRSG’s digital archive. Register to receive an email with address and details about open hours and the opening party here.
Artists:
Francesca Martinazzi (b. 1978) is an artist and weaver based in Val Camonica, Italy. She graduated from Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan and studied weaving with textile artist Paola Besana. In 2016 she started her own woven project called GRATA. ig @g_r_a_t_a
Mariah Smith (b. 1993) is an artist and educator. She received her M.Arch from Princeton University and uses rag rugs as a representational tool for processing thoughts and dreams about the built environment. www.mariahss.com / ig @smithmariahs
Mae Colburn (b. 1987) studied art history at Bard College. She works as archivist for tapestry artist Helena Hernmarck and collects her rag rug weaving activities under the name Common Loom. www.maecolburn.info / ig @commonloomstudio
About Rag Rug Study Group
Rag Rug Study Group (RRSG) is a research project that facilitates dialogue about textiles produced using worn, surplus, and discarded materials. RRSG advocates an expansive definition of ‘rag rug’ that includes reworked textiles in all techniques including weaving, knitting, quilting, embroidery, crochet, mending, and sewing. They support a mailing list, host in-person events, and maintain an online archive of the work they study. RRSG is a collaboration between New York-based artists and researchers Mariah Smith and Mae Colburn.
Find out more and follow:
www.ragrugstudygroup.net