Special Exhibitions
Woven Women:
Representations of the Female in Norwegian Weaving
September 1-26, 2009 • Westby-Torgerson Education Center
Opening reception on September 3
Weaving demonstrations on September 10
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum presents Woven Women: Representations of the Female in Norwegian Weaving, a juried exhibition of contemporary weaving.
The exhibition will be on view free of charge in the museum’s Westby-Torgerson Education Center from September 1-26 with special exhibition hours of Monday-Saturday 1:00-5:00 p.m. An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, September 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Weaving demonstrations will be held in the exhibition area on Thursday, September 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. as part of Vesterheim’s Free Thursdays, sponsored by Decorah Bank and Trust Co.
The exhibition, sponsored by Lila Nelson, of Minneapolis, Minn., celebrates the long and varied tradition of Norwegian weaving and its many talented women weavers.
Contemporary artists were invited to create handwoven artworks in the Norwegian tradition that depict females abstractly or realistically. A panel of jurors selected the weavings for the exhibition, which include 22 works by 18 artists. Three of the artists are from the local area—Betty Rikansrud Nelson (Decorah), Barbara Berg (Decorah), and Judy Shuros (Dorchester). Other artists live in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Washington, California, Rhode Island, Virginia, and South Carolina.
The artworks were created in a variety of weaving techniques, from tapestry to double weave to damask. Some images are realistic, like Jan Mostrom’s “Backpacker,” which is a portrait of her daughter. Mostrom, of Chanhassen, Minnesota, said she tried to capture the strength, courage, and spirit of adventure with which her daughter lives her life. In contrast, Nancy Jackson’s “Consanguine,” is a completely abstracted view of the feminine body with suggestions of blood, ribs, and organs.
“This exhibition showcases the creative range of weavers today,” said Laurann Gilbertson, Vesterheim Textile Curator. “I think visitors will be heartily impressed with the artistic and technical talent in these textiles.”
The image above is of a weaving in the exhibition by Betty Rikansrud Nelson, Decorah, Iowa. “Norse Goddesses” wall hanging in doubleweave pickup, wool on wool, 2009. Collection of the artist.