WINSTON-SALEM - Textile art that evolves before your eyes is almost magic. Fabric can change color and pattern in an interactive exhibit at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) by nationally known textile artist Maggie Orth May 23 - Aug. 23.
Orth blends state-of-the-art technology in woven fibers activated by electric current to achieve brilliant colors and contemporary designs transforming shapes, colors and designs in her works in seconds while viewers watch.
SECCA executive director Mark Leach says, “Maggie Orth is a true pioneer in art of our time. She expertly combines light, transition and textile processes into her work to create pieces of unmatched intensity and beauty. We’re delighted to be exhibiting her work at SECCA.”
As one of the first creative and technical practitioners of electronic textiles, Orth designs art works that use textile processes, such as weaving and sewing, to incorporate electronics and conductive fibers directly into fabric. Her work features programmable color-change textiles, interactive textile and light pieces and design products.
One of Orth’s works included in this exhibit called Almost Square is woven in a double weave structure. The software designed by the artist focuses on creating patterns with different color change areas. This work introduces the concept of performance in color change textiles. The piece, which is designed to be interactive with viewers, performs when viewers touch a button to start the piece. The artwork then subtly changes color, pattern and composition for a period of time. Orth’s textile works cause viewers to rethink the nature of time and experience.
Orth is founder and chief executive officer of International Fashion Machines, Inc., marketing innovative and affordable electronic textile design products. Among her numerous honors, she has been named a 2007 USA Target Fellow. She is one of 50 recipients of the United States Artists Foundation’s unrestricted grants of $50,000 in recognition of their creative work. Orth is working with the Winston-Salem’s new Center for Design Innovation to share her art and technology locally.
SECCA, located at 750 Marguerite Drive, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours are Wednesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free.
SECCA is designed to involve audiences in the art of our time. SECCA is an operating entity of the North Carolina Museum of Art, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. SECCA’s programs mirror the Department of Cultural Resources’ 2008 theme of “Telling Our Stories.” SECCA, located at 750 Marguerite Drive, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free. For additional information on this and three other current shows, go here.