MTO to Launch "Metamorphosis" Exhibit

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• Published on Thursday, 12 April 2012 12:59
• By Josh Howard

This week, the foundation Arquetopia and the Textile Museum of Oaxaca will introduce the exhibit, "Metamorphosis," part of "Circuit of the Hands and the Wind," by Jessica De Haas.

This circuit contributes to the artistic and cultural development of the country's poorest regions (Oaxaca and Puebla), and through art creates educational opportunities. With the opening of the exhibition of Canadian contemporary textile artist Jessica De Haas, the project aims to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, promote the creation of contemporary art and diversity in the arts.

During her 6-week stay in Oaxaca, Jessica de Haas has produced, taught and experienced the transformation of materials and ideas.

Haas, a native of British Columbia Canada, is the first artist to make a home for textile production in the new headquarters of Arquetopia in Oaxaca, resulting in a collaboration between the Foundation and the Textile Museum. Jessica de Haas is a sculptor who specializes in fibers and wool felt and is one of the most successful and recognized artists in her country.

The collaboration that began this year in the Textile Museum Arquetopia and included workshops, lectures and production assistance, is now embodied in the work presented in the exhibition "Metamorphosis" which opens at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca on Friday April 13 at 6 pm.

"My work blurs the line between art, popular art and fashion" says Jessica. Production that occurs in Mexico explores ideas of change and transformation using the ancient felting techniques. Weaving metaphorical texts between the fibers questions the methods of mass production of garments in contrast to the local traditions of manual production. "Metamorphosis" will remain open until April 28, 2012.

The "Circuit of the Hands and the Wind" is an initiative of Arquetopia, the Development Foundation open to the collaboration of various institutions in Puebla and Oaxaca. During 2012 several art projects will be held and officials estimate that more than 80 international artists will visit.

The Textile Museum of Oaxaca (MTO) was created in order to facilitate common ground between people, traditions, crafts, design and contemporary art. Since its inception, the MTO has been on a mission to provide a broad view of the designs, techniques and creative processes for the manufacture of textiles of Oaxaca, Mexico, and the world through the ongoing exchange of expertise through conferences, workshops and exhibitions.

Arquetopia is a foundation that promotes development and social transformation through education programs, art and culture. The organization is unique in its kind with its contemporary, multidisciplinary and international programs, such as Artists in Residence, Public Art, Collecting Art, Awards, Incentives and International Partnerships which involve artists, companies, institutions and social organizations.