WHAT? Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art 

WHERE? The Barbican Art Gallery, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

WHEN? Now until 26th May 

WHY GO ? For stories in stitches.  It’s rewarding to find long overdue credit awarded to textiles as a fine art form.  After all, textiles are the very fabric of everyday life. 

From quilts covering cots to tapestries covering walls, textiles are intrinsically part of our heritage, woven into narratives creating cultural dialogues and personal memories.

This epic exhibition showcases the power that textile artwork can wield from every angle. 

Through storytelling in stitches, artists have raised awareness to social injustices and challenged convention along with giving us an appreciation of the beauty of fabric.

Knotted, braided, embroidered or quilted, 50 international creatives address potent issues, many of them portraying their own personal experiences. 

From Faith Ringgold’s narrative quilts that have highlighted racial oppression in the States to Tracy Emin’s appliqué blanket that marks a harrowing time in her personal life, exhibits are multi-faceted with succinct captions that reveal all.

It’s humbling to appreciate the many hours of labour behind each piece, as the exhibition flows through six major themes opening with Ancient Threads featuring Chilean artist Cecelia Vicuna’s installation of wool ropes accompanied by soothing poetic chanting. It all offers much to reflect upon. 

IN THE KNOW Inspired? Explore the Barbican’s accompanying programme of textile talks and workshops which will include a pop-up from lifestyle brand TOAST who will present a repurposed collection by award winning designer Phoebe English.  From 25 March-3 April.