This exhibition celebrates our connectivity through the collaborative work of Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger. In response to Covid and the social unrest that occured during the summer of 2020, the artists decided to merge their practices to create a sculpture with people from around the world. It was their hope that participants would consider what it means to contribute to something, connect with others thorugh a shared experience, and acknowledge the collective effort it takes to inact change.
Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger standing next to their bios in the gallery. All text was bilingual in this exhibition.
Denver Art Museum Virtual Sewing Circle, October 22, 2020. There were 64 participants that came from California, Alaska, Atlanta, Texas, New Mexico, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and of course, Colorado.
“Each person’s stitch is unique, like a thumbprint. As the threads intersect and blend, I see them as a metaphor for how we are all related. ”
“Last night was a wonderful experience. I expected the artist's insight, an idea of the final installation, and some embroidery ideas. I did not expect conversations from people all over the world. During the breakout session, participants started sharing as if they had known everyone for ages. It is evidence of the museum's far reaching influence.” - DAM Sewing Circle Participant
VIRTUAL SEWING CIRCLES
Between September 2020 - February 2021, the artists asked participants to embroider messages onto bandanas while considering “if acts of collaboration can help heal broken bonds with the environment and with each other.”
Over 850 bandanas were submitted from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, Germany, France, and more. At least 12 virtual sewing circles were organized internationally.
Bandanas arriving at @steloarts, December 2020
Each/Other: Marie Watt & Cannupa Hanska Luger. Monumental she-wolf soft sculpture made with a collapsable steel armature base, ceramic eyes and repurposed fabric undercoat of the pelt adorned with over 800 embroidered bandanas sourced from communities across the world.
“This work requires engagement. I want to lay groundwork, to establish connections, to mobilize action. ”
This interpretive video, produced by the Denver Art Museum, was located in the galleries so that visitors could hear the artists talk about their inspiration and process.
Collaboration is at the core of all exhibitions, and it takes many hands and minds to bring them to life.
For this exhibition, each individual who had a hand in making this exhibition come together was acknowledged. Over 300 names were listed at the entrance/exit of the gallery.
WHAT VISITORS HAD TO SAY ON INSTAGRAM:
Institution: Denver Art Museum | Design: Ramble Creative