Posted on Jun-24-2009

The Essential Art of African Textiles: Design Without End (Metropolitan Museum of Art)


The Essential Art of African Textiles: Design Without End (Metropolitan Museum of Art)


Author:
  • Alisa LaGamma
  • Christine Giuntini
ISBN: 030014962X
Number Of Pages: 72
Languages:
Unknown: English
Original Language: English
Published: English

Product Description:

This informative and beautiful volume sheds light on the enduring significance of textiles as a major form of aesthetic expression across Africa, relating long-standing cultural practices to recent creative developments. Some of the finest and oldest preserved examples of West African textile traditions are presented, and both their artistic and technical qualities are examined. Wrapped around the body, fashioned into garments, or displayed as hangings, these magnificent textiles include bold strip weavings and intricately patterned indigo resist-dyed cloths.

The influence of African textiles on contemporary artists is also explored, featuring artworks by eight individuals who work in media as far-ranging as sculpture, painting, photography, video, and installation art. A monumental metal tapestry by the Ghanaian El Anatsui that pays tribute to traditional kente prestige cloth while constituting an inventive new genre is discussed in detail.



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Posted on Apr-16-2009

World Textiles: A Concise History (World of Art)


World Textiles: A Concise History (World of Art)


The shipping was super fast, the book was in pristine condition, but best of all, the info in the book was exactly what I needed. It was not a fluffy book about textiles, but a thoroughly researched and well written book. I'll refer to this one constantly. Overall, a fantastic transaction. Thanks much!

Average Rating:
Author: Mary Schoeser
Edition: illustrated edition
ISBN: 0500203695
Number Of Pages: 224
Languages:
Unknown: English
Original Language: English
Published: English

Product Description:
The history of textiles, more than that of any other artifact, is the history of human ingenuity. From the earliest needles of 25,000 years ago to techno textiles used in Space Shuttle parachutes today, textiles have been fundamental to human existence and achievements, and have informed developments in other areas from agriculture to metallurgy. Textiles are global commodities, common to every culture and for a long time the motivation for trade, the exchange of ideas, and sometimes even conflict. Silks from China, carpets from Persia, ikats from Indonesia, cottons from India, fine linens from Flanders—each of these has helped to shape the modern world.

This groundbreaking book surveys, from prehistory to the early twenty-first century, how textiles are made, what they are made from, how they function in society, the ways in which they are valued and given meaning, and the messages they contain. The author shows the intricate relationships between different cultures' textile traditions and demonstrates the significance of the materials we all take for granted in our everyday lives. 204 illustrations, 100 in color.


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Customer Reviews


Packed with information
I think this book would be in the library of anyone who collects
or designs textiles. Even without the color photos of each type of
textile, the information on technique and history would mark it as
an frequently used reference.

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