My ITP Blog

Project Description of “Inventionism”

I have been fashion sewing since I was a small child and love the level of personal expression which sewing affords an individual.  Coming from a long line of quilters, however, I have been increasingly inspired by the intricate stitching, masterful fabric choices, story-telling capabilities and symbolism unique to quilts.  Some quilts look deceptively simple, but practically have a Levi-Straussian-like level of complexity in terms of structure and theme.My project for the Wearables Studio is entitled “Inventionism: An Homage to African-American Ingenuity” and will take the form of an interactive quilt installation.  On one level, “Inventionism” is meant to educate audiences about lesser known African American contributions to the history of this country.  By focusing on the ingenuity of members of this group, audiences can expand their understanding of the role Americans of African descent have played in modern society.  The innovations highlighted will not only represent various time periods (slavery through the present) and genders, but also disciplines (medicine, natural sciences, engineering and humanities). On an additional level, “Inventionism” will showcase quilt-making as a traditional and contemporary art form.  Dating as far back as 3000 B.C., quilts as practical items have multiple uses which include covering, comforting and warming people.  Irregardless of its function, a quilt has one basic quality—being touchable.  When quilts are used as art, however, they become physically inaccessible.  “Inventionism” will subvert this idea of untouchable quilt art, allowing users to interact with the quilt and get a variety of responses.

Project Specifications for “Inventionism”

“Inventionism” is an interactive, hanging quilt installation which will be showcased at the end-of-the-semester show sponsored by the NYU Office of Multicultural Programs.  Perhaps afterwards, this project could serve as a permanent museum installation.  Since this project will be titled “Inventionism: An Homage to African-American Ingenuity”, I intend for audiences to infer meaning and be able to interact with the quilt on their own.  An additional possibility is an accompanying book which would detail the various inventions and provide a brief bio of the inventors.  This book would allow the quilt to retain a certain level of symbolism while clarifying any uncertainties that audience members might have.

Filed under: Wearables/Inventionism, ITP