Generations
On view October 4 - November 10, 2019 at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.This two-channel video installation reinterprets and celebrates the artistic labor of the women in the Karen Organization of Minnesota's Weaving Circle: Rose Bell, Naw Htoo, Aye Lwai, Hta Thi Yu Moo, Boh Paw, Kay Paw, She Eh Paw, Shi Paw, Way Paw, Lah Say, Rosie Say, Pah Sien, and Linvy Thein.
Observational video of the weavers at work is layered over their textile patterns animated as a kaleidoscope and reflected off mirrored mylar. Threads of light weave through the room as the viewer is immersed in the sights and sounds of Karen women engaged in the traditional practice of backstrap weaving. This work would not be possible without their generosity of spirit in welcoming me into their Circle and their commitment to teaching Karen art and culture to younger generations. I am in awe of their ability to conceive and execute such beautiful and complex weavings, and I hope that this is evident in this installation.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Peter Rachleff and Clarence White for providing me with access to the East Side Freedom Library, where the Weaving Circle meets every Wednesday. The Weaving Circle is a collaboration of the Karen Organization of Minnesota, Roseville Adult Learning Center, East Side Freedom Library, and the Weavers Guild of Minnesota.
2018/19 MCAD-Jerome Fellowship Exhibition Catalog (PDF download)
Photo credit: Images 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 9 by Rik Sferra
Boone Nguyen is a recipient of the 2018/19 MCAD-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Early Career Artists, administered by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and funded by the Jerome Foundation.