Sapar Contemporary

Textile Traditions
Re-imagined

We are delighted to present an online exhibition of contemporary artists who revisit ancient textile traditions and patterns:

Faig Ahmed (Azerbaijan) is well known for his conceptual works that utilize traditional decorative craft and the visual language of carpets into contemporary sculptural works of art. His work reimagines ancient crafts and create new visual boundaries by deconstructing traditions and stereotypes.

Mulyana (Indonesia) formed his alter-ego, the Mogus (monster), which is an acronym that merges the Gurita animal (octopus) with Mulyana’s family name (Sigarantang). His colorful, knit installations are emblematic of the global social and environmental concerns we currently face and inspire a renewed responsibility for both nature and the respect of all persons.

Bruno Miguel (Brazil), an inveterate collector of quotidian objects, Miguel's practice explores the fluid relationships and personal stories embedded in familiar household items and consumer products to reframe the International dimensions of Pop Art and the avant-garde in Brazil. Miguel's paintings and installations – which frequently manipulate traditional Carnival techniques in polyurethane foam, resin, and papier-mâché – convey the layered histories of Rio de Janeiro's landscape from a critical periphery.

Marela Zacarias (Mexico/US) works with a labor-intensive process that merges sculpture with painting. Through sanding, polishing, and painting, she creates sculptures with the quality of fabric, filled with movement and expressive quality. She then paints the sculptures with original patterns and geometric abstract shapes that are inspired by her research.

(more below)