LOUKIA RICHARDS
"Neo-nomad" - Pectoral, 2022. Embroidery on textile. Ancient Greek embroidery (early 19th century), modern Greek embroidery, plastic beads, antique white coral (early 19th century), silver coins (early 20th century), nickel and copper coins.. Photo: C. Ziegler
AN ALLEGORY OF LIFE AND DEATH
In the old days, in Greece, the baptism clothes of children who died were donated to the church to re-use; the precious textiles were turned into ecclesiastical vestments and altar coverings. Mourning was tranformed into celebration.
Textile carries memory and the potential of a thrilling narrative. It is a non-verbal allegory of life and death.
Since the early 2010s my work is inspired by the symbols and visual language of the Orthodox church. Cherub, a heavenly creature made of angel and fire, stands for justice, liberation, and punishement. Neo-nomad could be seen as an act of „vandalism". I tore, cut, restitched an early 19th century embroidery. I rearranged the collectible piece with ordinary stitchings and old silver coins to create a new design that can be worn and enjoyed.
homepage: www.loukiarichards.net
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