Relationships, Love and Weaving: A Study of Contemporary Fiber Art by 3 Asian Female Artists

Abstract

The technique of "sewing, stitching, and weaving" empowers women to express their thoughts and convey them in the form of art. This has resulted in an academic article that explores such creative avenues in contemporary art, exemplified by three Asian artists: Chiharu Shiota, Beili Liu, and Imhathai Suwatthanasilp. The research centers on various artistic techniques, including weaving, crocheting, and the utilization of soft and delicate materials such as thread, silk, and hair as artistic mediums. Additionally, the article examines how these materials are combined with other objects and mediums in the creation of art installations. The study reveals that the artists communicate subjects around mother-daughter relationships within their respective cultural contexts. These subjects include: 1) Femininity, such as motherhood, and the physical and emotional bonds translated into art form. The dissemination of cultural heritage and female craftsmanship across generations is facilitated through practices like sewing, weaving, and embroidery. 2) Love and family bonds, symbolically represented through the use of fibrous materials, symbolize the relationships between family members. 3) Beliefs, Customs, and Societal Influences on Women: These factors contribute to memories and shape personal and collective experiences, all of which are reflected in the artists' work. Nonetheless, all three female artists share a deep appreciation for closeness and family ties, which is considered a distinctive characteristic of Asian culture.