‘Threads of tradition and change at Holy Cross’ Cantor Gallery’
MetroWest Daily News
The MetroWest Daily News has nothing but praise for the latest exhibit in the Cantor art Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross, “Transnational Ikat: An Asian Textile on the Move.”
The exhibit, which is on display through March 1, is curated by Susan Rodgers, professor of anthropology, with research assistance from student docents Hana Carey ’13, Tricia Giglio ’14, and Martha Walters ’14.
“Indonesian artisans have woven a distinctive textile called ikat, dying its threads to create images of plants, animals and spirit totems that can decorate everyday wear, high fashion and ceremonial dress,” writes reporter Chris Bergeron. “The Gallery presents the versatile cotton fabric as an art form and cultural artifact, traditional craft and object of commerce that’s comfortable to wear and lovely to look at.”
Roger Hankins, director of the Cantor Art Gallery, said, “Making ikat is a still-thriving tradition. We wanted to look at ikat as it’s woven in the villages and how it’s crossed borders and has been made into high fashion,” Rodgers described. “We want to look at the commercialization of ikat in the positive sense.”
This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Cristal Steuer.