Swedish artist Ulla-Stina Wikander is turning mundane household items into art treasures at her upcoming exhibition, Obsolescence. The show, set to open at the Paradigm Gallery + Studio in Philadelphia, showcases Wikander’s unique fusion of vintage embroidery with objects like lamps and sewing machines, sourced from antique stores and flea markets over the past 15 years.
Wikander’s artistic journey began almost two decades ago when she started collecting cross-stitch embroideries with no clear purpose in mind. However, a decade later, she embarked on a transformative experiment by adorning a broken vacuum cleaner with these textiles, sparking her passion for recycling and metamorphosis. Since then, she has abandoned painting and sculpting in favor of her signature embroidered creations.
What sets Wikander apart from traditional textile artists is her unconventional approach to embroidery. Rather than stitching the embroideries herself, she repurposes existing needlework, meticulously deconstructing and reassembling them onto various objects. This process, she believes, honors and pays tribute to the anonymous women who originally crafted these intricate textiles.
Scouring flea markets and thrift stores in smaller towns within a 60-mile radius of her home, Wikander hunts for vintage embroideries that are increasingly rare to come by in larger cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. She notes that non-profit flea markets offer hidden treasures at affordable prices, while commercial stores often repurpose embroideries for commercial gain.
Through her installations, Wikander weaves narratives that often revolve around the absence of a female figure, exploring themes of migration, historical events, and personal stories. Her artworks transcend mere decoration, evoking emotions and sparking contemplation on societal issues and personal histories.
Wikander’s creations straddle the line between outdated and upcycled, breathing new life into discarded objects by infusing them with artistic value. Her work symbolizes a transformation from unwanted relics to desirable art pieces, blurring the boundaries between past and present.
Working with embroidery empowers Wikander, allowing her to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these forgotten textiles. The meditative process of reimagining and revitalizing each piece brings her a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, resonating with the rich heritage and artistry of the embroideries.
Her choice of household objects like irons and sewing machines carries a deeper message, reflecting on the transient nature of consumer culture and the evolving status of everyday items. By repurposing these objects from the 1970s, Wikander pays homage to an era marked by shifting gender dynamics and the burgeoning feminist movement that championed creative expression and empowerment.
Wikander’s artistry not only breathes new life into forgotten objects but also offers a poignant commentary on the intersection of craft, history, and feminism. Through her embroidered creations, she invites viewers to reconsider the value of everyday items and the enduring artistry of women’s needlework.
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