Publisher: DelMonico Books/Tang, ISBN: 9781636810409, Author: Ian Barry, Format: Hardcover, 24.8 x 19.7 cm, 224pp
For centuries, fiber arts have influenced sciences as diverse as digital technology, mathematics, neuroscience, medicine & more. 'Radical Fiber' explores this relationship through contemporary art & historical artefacts that address five key themes: shape, machine, body, brain and community. Alongside numerous unidentified artists, the book includes works by: Kintra Fibers, Karen Norberg, Helen Remick, Soft Monitor (Victoria Manganiello & Julian Goldman), Cecilia Vicuña, and many more.
How did the accidental discovery of synthetic mauveine dye in 1856 pave the way for modern pharmaceuticals while also generating toxic waste? Why do we respond differently to a woven photograph than a printed one? These and other questions reframe the fiber/science intersection and ask how the medium can be used to improve our world for the future. 'Radical Fiber' features a new artwork created by amateur and professional makers around the globe: the 'Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef', part of the 'Crochet Coral Reef' project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring.