Temporary Text(iles)

Abstract

Text and textiles share etymological roots and also have cultural and historical similarities. Temporary Text(iles) is project led research which investigates the relationship between text and textiles in hopes of harnessing its communicative powers. Techniques such as subtraction cutting, embroidery and writing are utilised to produce textile installations that are both performative and ephemeral. These spatial interventions are activated within contemporary art contexts and public spaces such as Altona beach, Campbell Arcade, Testing Grounds and Assembly Point. These experimental sites offer a gentle disruption to people’s everyday routine as well as a space for critical reflection and conversation. In this chaotic time of global grief and tension, the author commits herself to understand the connections between environmental sustainability, forced migrations and the mistreatment against marginalized communities such as refugees and asylum seekers. Temporary Text(iles) describes the different spatial interventions in the research project and analyses its effect in relation to these major social issues.