Mend is an exhibition about the duality of sharp and soft. Mend combines traditional textiles that feel of warmth and comfort with harsh sharp materials and motifs. This combination makes the viewer think deeper about things they find comfort in and creates an uncomforatbale comfort. The function of textile art is used metaphorically to explore the function of human beings. The exhibition features multiple works that are all red. Red inherently is the duality of sharp and soft. The color represents love, passion, warmth, as well as blood, danger, power. Red is also personally symbolic of genetics for Dlhopolsky who has red hair that bonds her to her blood relatives. The exhibition features multiple textile techniques including quilting, felting, and sewing. Each unique technique and process being used adds meaning to the individual piece.

Strings Attached

Two embroidery hoops that hang from the ceiling are being pulled together by hundreds of lines of thread and sharp sewing pins. This piece explores the relationship between two entities that whether they like it or not are attached. Each single thread is light and loose but all the strings together form a strong bond. Sharp sewing pins protrude from each hoop, which extends the soft thread into a sharp painful pin that leaves a hole in the fabric. Disconnecting these two hoops would be difficult and would leave permanent damage on the fabric. Many can understand this seemingly permanent and oftentimes painful relationship, especially with family. Deciding whether to pull out the strings is the next phase of the project and a metaphor for the difficult process of disconnecting from those you are deeply tied to.

patch work

Finally Functional 1 - Quilted Patchwork Potholder

Finally Functional 2 - Quilted Patchwork Coasters

Finally Functional 3 - Quilted Patchwork Pillow

patch work installation