The neglected form of art – “What is textiles?”

Edinburgh, a place of wonderful, exciting and innovative art and a place where textile once had a historical importance.

But what was once a highly progressive and key form of art is no longer considered important or relative by the art community. Why is it that Textile art is being neglected by most art communities in Edinburgh?

We at Kalopsia, a contemporary Textile collective, are currently running an exhibition in the heart of Edinburgh, showcasing work by 19 local and international creators who work in the medium of Textiles. The exhibition work as a showcase for the artists, mainly recent graduates who has degrees of Textiles, and who want to be part of the art scene.

But a confusion and frustration occurs, mainly towards the art institution themselves. Hundreds of emails and invitations were sent out but were ignored. Is it the Textiles that is being ignored or is it us?

Three graduates who are fighting to open a profitable business promoting other textile creators’ work but constantly face difficulties when trying to get the art community to accept textiles as a valid form of art. This is not a exhibition of craft, but an exhibition that shows clearly that textiles has a rightful place as a distinct form of art.

Exhibition at Gallery 17, 17 Dundas Street EH3 6QG

Submitted by Nina Falk