THE POWER OF KNOTS Wind Magic:
Managing Life’s intensity
using the healing power of knots
Featuring Yelitza Barrios Photography Vera Franceschi
What is the purpose of an art exhibition? As a curator who works primarily on solo exhibitions with emerging artists, I see the purpose of the exhibition as a pivotal moment, an opportunity for an artist to understand the progression of their practice, to connect with community. It allows for public critique, celebration, and connection. I think artists often push towards that solo exhibition moment, knowing the moment it marks throughout their careers, and that push is necessary. But from my perspective, the work that follows their solo exhibition is often more interesting. It is after this release, presentation, and movement from studio practice into public space in a high stakes context that artists are able to grow. Noor Blazekovic Curator
Cover: detail | Happiness: Mixed media on Wood paper cover acrylic eco-friendly rope, 2021 Right: Release: Dimensions variable | Macramé | Recycled cotton cord | 2021
THE MIAMI DADE COLLEGE HIALEAH CAMPUS CULTURAL CENTER The Miami Dade College- Hialeah Campus is a pluralistic space where autonomous perspectives can enter into dialogue and debate with one another. The Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus- Cultural Center was originally established with the support of a Knight Arts Challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in 2015. The center’s mission is to celebrate the arts and culture of the Hialeah and MDC community by providing opportunities for students and visitors to interact with innovative and unique multidisciplinary exhibitions.
https://www.mdc.edu/hialeah/
The Power ofKnots
Wind Magic: Managing Life’s intensity using the healing
power of knots
Artist Bio
Venezuelan fiber artist Yelitza Barrios works with 90% recycled cotton and organic threads and is inspired by nature, especially plants, trees, and the ocean. As a child, she learned to weave and knot from her mother but rediscovered this craft decades later when her own daughter asked her to make something. This re-embracement of textile arts also coincided with a divorce after 27 years of marriage. Barrios’ hobby of weaving and knotting is now a professional pursuit, and she enjoys mixing textures and techniques to give her creations individuality. Barrios also finds making her timeand labor-intensive works a meditative process, leading her to inner spiritual peace. She infuses sculptural objects with meanings and shapes that identify phases of her life and hopes they serve as messages of empowerment to women.
Rebecca A. Dunham, Head of Fine Arts and Curator at The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL Talking Threads: Dialogues with Weavers & Knotters of South Florida, November 12, 2021
Knots Series: Dimensions variable. Standard 100 of Oeko-Tex product Class I. Cotton air. 2021
Detail, Free Spirit. 2021. 88” x 28”, 80” x 28” and 71” x 28”.
Macrame, which has roots in the past and nostalgic memories with our parents’ and grandparents’ household occupations, is rapidly being revitalized and repackaged. Macrame is seen as an empowering technique by women of all ages since it allows them to do something completely personal. Contemporary Macrame helps reinterpret the historical and contemporary significance of domesticity in society by providing a conceptual link. Today, the medium is portrayed as a decadent, self-indulgent, and subversive act as well as a worthwhile and selfless one. Contemporary macrame has evolved into a community, activist practice. It was once connected with household handicrafts. A popular contemporary medium that has also been linked to themes of physical and spiritual love, intergenerational peace, meditation, and defiance of past generations. The Power Of Knots aims to investigate how the Macrame phenomenon empowers women and men in their daily lives. Devoting time to such a traditional, time-consuming medium fosters the sense of making a conscious decision, of being in control of one’s life and time. Participating in these projects allows for personal growth, as well as a chance to calm down and appreciate the spiritual journey. The Power Of Knots investigates how current Macrame varies from store-bought goods. What role does the handcrafted and self-produced play? How do handcrafted products that form part of an interior display aid in the negotiation of the producers’ identities and individualities? Burkas Series: Dimensions variable | Braided Macramé | Recycled cotton cord | Bulb and electric wire 2021
Burkas Series: Dimensions variable. Braided Macramé , Recycled cotton cord, Bulb and electric wire, 2021
The beginning: Dimensions variable | Macramé | Recycled cotton cord 2021
Right: Release: Dimensions variable | Macramé | Recycled cotton cord | 2021 Left: The beginning: Dimensions variable | Macramé | Recycled cotton cord | 2021
Tears Series: Dimensions variable | Macramé | Recycled cotton cord | 2021
The Power ofKnots
Wind Magic: Managing Life’s intensity using the
healing power of knots
Macramé: A Short History Macramé is a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting) techniques. The origin of Macramé is generally attributed to Arabic weavers during the 13th century, who used decorative knots to finish the loose ends of hand-woven textiles. However, decorative knot-tying can also be traced back to third-century China on ceremonial textiles as well as wall hangings. One of the earliest recorded uses of macramé-style knots as decoration appeared in the carvings of the Babylonians and Assyrians. Fringe-like plaiting and braiding adorned the costumes of the time and were captured in their stone statuary. Arab weavers knotted excess thread along the edges of hand-loomed fabrics such as towels, shawls, and veils into decorative fringes. The word macramé is derived from the Arabic word macramia, believed to mean “striped towel”, “ornamental fringe” or “embroidered veil”. Another school of thought indicates that it comes from Turkish makrama, “napkin” or “towel”. The decorative fringes also helped to keep flies off camels and horses in northern Africa.
Photography Anita Kurzyna
Macramé: A Short History Sailors played a large role in keeping Macramé alive and sharing the art with new lands. Knots had many practical uses aboard their ships, but decorative knot-tying kept hands and minds occupied during long voyages. The art of tying wind knots is attributed to ensuring that winds would blow in their favor. Sailors would visit wind witches who would sell them a strand of wind knots. These potent charms were used to call upon the wind for guidance. Magicians gathered winds on mountain tops, enclosing varying intensities into knots. During an expedition, a sea captain would untie a single knot to call up a gentle breeze, two for a half gale, and three knots to summon a storm. Barrios is a contemporary Macramé artist who is interested in the history, materials, and techniques of fiber, as well as her own personal journey. Healing, enlightenment, and meditation have influenced the creation of her large-scale and majestic macrame-one-of-a-kind sculptures. Knottying was used to manage intensity of emotions, and to create sacred containers of energy. When you master knot making, you learn how to harness your thoughts.
Happiness: Mixed media on Wood paper cover acrylic and eco-friend ropemade with recycled cotton | 24 Diameter - 15 Diameter | 2021
Dr. Anthony Cruz, Ed. D. Miami Dade College- Hialeah Campus President & Noor Blazekovic | Curator
Detail, Release: Dimensions variable | Macramé | Recycled cotton cord | 2021