Textiles as Monument

Three contemporary South Asian artists transform textiles into counter-monuments celebrating communities excluded from traditional historical narratives. About What constitutes a monument, and who is memorialized? Three contemporary artists of South Asian descent—Suchitra Mattai, Jagdeep Raina, and Swapnaa Tamhane—transform textiles of their cultural heritage into memorials for those who have been unrecognized in public displays of historical memory. These artworks question why monuments are made and who is given the power to be remembered. The project centers new commissions by the featured artists made in collaboration with, for, and about the communities that have been rendered invisible by the biases of history-making. The creations function as "counter-monuments," honoring and embodying the presence of those who have not received adequate recognition. Generous support for Textiles as Monument is provided by the Anne and John Summerfield Fund, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the Mary Jane Leland Textile Fund. Additional funding is provided by the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, Pasadena Art Alliance, Dr. Charles Knobler and Dr. Carolyn Knobler, Tad Freese and Brook Hartzell, Roberts Projects, Kim and Keith Allen-Niesen, and Connie McCreight. Additional funding for the publication is provided by the R.L. Shep Endowment. Read more Toggle Mixed media