Studio report: Welcome and farewell

Abstract

The Sub-thesis: THE SHROUD AS A CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE ART FORM IN THE WESTERN WORLD is the result of research into the resurgence of the shroud both as a practical object and form of conceptual textile art. The Sub-thesis argues that shrouds are becoming a significant phenomenon embodying personal, medical and political responses to death. Contemporary shrouds are linked to changing attitudes to death and dying. The Studio work: WELCOME AND FAREWELL explores concepts of life and death, f-rom a personal and contemporary viewpoint, in the form of ritual textiles to cover and wrap the body at birth and death. The shroud is the starting point for the creation of sets of cloth supported by accompanying birth and memento cloths. Techniques and imagery have been selected to convey ideas of f8rtiHty, -sacrifice, light. natural forces, dust, space, time and eternity. A study taking the form of an exhibition of textile works exhibited at the ANU School of Art Gallery from March 1.g to 26, 2004 which comprises the outcome of the Studio Practice component (66%), the Report which documents the nature of the course of study undertaken, plus the Sub­-thesis (33%). Show more