It's a been a rather bumpy few days in the art quilting world and its given me a lot to think about...let me provide some background:
SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Associates is an international organization that promotes the art quilt as a "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure". One of their activities is to showcase interpretations of varieous themes that then travel the world as exhibtions included in larger quilt and textile related shows. There are many of these exhibtions in different places at any one time and it is considered an honour to be juried and included ...
Last week, the SAQA exhibtion titled "Colour in Context - Red" was to open at the American Quilter's Society’s 2025-five venue QuiltWeek scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, in Daytona Beach, FL. I quote: The American Quilter’s Society was provided with images and statements for all the pieces in the exhibition. They signed a contract in August 2024, and as Studio Art Quilt Associates was preparing to ship the quilts, the American Quilter’s Society contacted Studio Art Quilt Associates and stated that they would be removing “Origin” by Yvonne Iten-Scott and “Your Mother. Your Daughter. Your Sister. Your Grandmother. You” by Laura Shaw Feit from the exhibit. The reasons given for removal were inconsistent with Studio Art Quilt Associates' mission and values.
In light of the current of politics and societal upheavals in the US so far this year, its not surprising that this kind of censorship might occur, in fact, this is probably just one of many, many voices being silenced and we will continue to see this in the coming months!
What does art provide for us? Art in the greater context (music, theatre, performance and such) serves everyone by:
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- expressing our complex emotions and ideas that words alone cannot capture - imagaine that song that lifts you up into the sky...
- creating art that works through multiple senses by using different elements to create deeper impact - the visual, the auditory, the tactile
- preserving our stories - sharing experiences and views - art outlasts us all!
- giving a voice to others by providing platforms for marginalized communities to share their truth - their art is their voice
- creating emotional connections and understanding between different cultures and experiences
- pushing boundaries and inspiring new ways of thinking - objection to art should open a conversation, not close the door
- serving as a mirror and critique of our human-ness, our issues, our striving to create a better world for everyone
- gives us expression as a collective - whether that is our sexuality, language, careers, location or age
I am currently working on a project that examines the female as a vessel form, in doing so, I am touching on experiences that we (as a collective "we") face: FGM, MMIW, reproductive choice, body autonomy, ageism and more. In this, I am going further into myself as a women than I have done before, facing barriers both externally and within myself. To suggest that anyone can curtail/stop me from doing this is so reprehensible and wrong on every level I can imagine.
I have not considered myself much of an activist, perferring to work in the background to make changes. But these days, more and more, I find my voice becoming louder and stronger, moving from a woman who made nice, pretty quilts to one that puts a vulva on her art....
This morning I read that the SAQA Board made the following statement:
After careful consideration, the Board of Directors of the Studio Art Quilt Associates voted unanimously to have the entire Color in Context: Red exhibit pulled from the American Quilter’s Society 2025 show schedule. We understand that this decision may result in some doors closing, but we will face the coming days together.
It has long been the mission at the Studio Art Quilt Associates to support our members in their artistic and professional growth. We have not stood by without taking notice. We hear your pleas, we feel your anguish, and the frustration that this incident has caused. Censorship does not align with our organization’s core values. As the President, I am here to unequivocally say that the entire Board of Directors stands as a united front with our membership.
If all this is news to you, here are some links to the story:
https://www.iothealien.com/blog/censorshipintheaqs
https://www.saqa.com/art/exhibitions/color-context-red-saqa-global-exhibition
The Artists:
https://www.laurashaw.net/quilts
PS - both pieces have been purchased by collectors - yahoo!
The first term of this President may have passed without many noticing this but I did: no music, no art (except, perhaps, an official portrait of himself). No concerts at the White House (the Obamas hosted Billy Joel and Sir Paul McCartney, for example). No attendance at the Kennedy Centre Honors (US spelling) for artists or musicians. No pets…which aren’t art, per se, but indicate a certain openness of being, of soul, to real things, the natural world, and interests outside oneself. Books have been banned in several states, including Florida, where this exhibit was/is being held. I’m glad to read that the pieces have been purchased before the tariffs kicked in.
Indeed, we are moving into dark times! We must keep moving forward and always being the voice in the wilderness. We embrace the spirit within all of us, and support one another.
Thank you Susan for bringing this topic to our attention. I also support SAQA in their decision to take down the entire show!
We must do the right thing, no matter the consequences.