Where on Art? - Second Lives

Hanging made from a dragon robe, China, 19th century. TM 2009.9.2. Gift 

of Elina Vesara Ostern Trust.

Today I am introducing another new feature which I plan to offer here on Fairyfiligree as regularly as possible. Where on Art? is all about art exhibitions which may be found anywhere around the globe. Whilst I publish the blog from a tiny island in the Med, I am aware that my readers and followers come from all corners of the globe. So Fairyfiligree is constantly seeking info about inspiring exhibitions which might be close to where you live, work or travel.

'Second Lives - The Age-Old Art of Recycling Textiles' is an exhibition focusing on re-inventing the wheel or rather, the textile. Take the image above - a wall hanging made from a Chinese dragon robe.

Left:  Chief Anotklosh of the Taku Tribe, wearing a ceremonial mantle, Juneau, Alaska, ca. 1913. Courtesy of the Seattle Museum of History & Industry. 

Right: Vest made from a ceremonial mantle, Northwest coast of North America, ca. 1825-1875. TM 1963.53.1. Gift of Alan R. Sawye

Ceremonial mantles, or cloaks, were sometimes cut into pieces and distributed as gifts by the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes of the Northwest Coast-resulting in creative reimaginings of the prized cloth, such as with this vest shown above.

Hanging -Afghanistan 20th century (detail)

This exhibition has been at The Textiles Museum, Washington D.C.   since last February and will stay on show until January 8, 2012.

Recycling is nothing new after all!