While I was in class last week in La Conner, Washington, I was able to see the exhibition of The Red Dress at the Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum which runs through March 2nd. I actually hadn’t heard about this project before my fellow students suggested that we go and see it. The project was started by British artist Kirstie Macleod and took over 14 years to complete.
According to the Red Dress website:
“The intention of The Red Dress
Initially the project sought to generate a dialogue of identity through embroidery, uniting people around the world across borders and boundaries. However, over the 14 years it was created, The Red Dress also become a platform for self-expression and an opportunity for, often marginalised, voices to be amplified and heard, initiating vital dialogues on important and frequently uncomfortable issues.”
The embroideries were created by 380 people from 51 countries all over the world.
Each contributor was encouraged to create a piece in their own style reflecting traditions of stitching from their own region/country.
It’s amazing to me that the embroidered pieces flow so well together. Imagine the work it took to put all the pieces together as there were 87 panels to combine.
It was wonderful to be able to see this in person and see the embroidery closely.
You can see more of the Red Dress project at their website.
The Red Dress will be traveling to other locations and if you get the chance, it is well worth seeing in person. Here’s the schedule of the exhibitions. Scroll down to see the upcoming exhibitions.
There are more photos and information on the website. I hope you enjoyed this brief glimpse at a wonderful project.