BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN | Adjacent to the Children’s Museum of the Arts’ foyer, the Cynthia C. Wainwright Gallery continues to host groundbreaking contemporary exhibitions. This current one — “Sew What?” — is focused on a selection of works that explore various tactile materials, such as felt, knitted wool, thread and scraps of textile.
Among the 10 artists are such internationally known names as Louise Bourgeois and Eliza Kentridge. Most of these sculptures, large installations and more intimate wall pieces, are steeped in the artists’ personal narratives, while exploring cultural links between people, places, and ways of life.
A fantastic installation by Timothy Paul Myers (in conversation with Andrew Barnes and Bigheavy Studios) re-imagines a picturesque domestic setting in grey felt. The life-size work pulls us close, absorbing our attention as an avalanche of flowers spills out of an ornate fireplace right before our eyes.
Among the many enchanting contemplations are a hanging wall piece by Alicia Scardetta, which references knotted friendship bracelets, and a geometric abstraction by Adrian Esparza, who in this case worked with threads from Mexican serape blankets.
Just around the corner from this show is a newly commissioned installation by Jeila Gueramian entitled “The Bridge Project.” Though not officially part of the exhibit, it fits the theme perfectly and should not be missed. Here, Gueramian has employed stitch work, crochet, knit and various embellishments to create an interactive work, spanning multiple levels, that guarantees a magical experience.
Through May 22, in the Cynthia C. Wainwright Gallery, at the Children’s Museum of the Arts (103 Charlton St. btw. Hudson & Greenwich Sts.). Hours: Mon., 12–5pm. Thurs.–Fri., 12–6pm. Sat. & Sun., 10 am–5pm. Admission: $12 for ages 1–65, (for seniors, pay-as-you-wish). Call 212-274-0986 or visit cmany.org.
