Episode 48:  Arts and Crafts. Folk Art. Queer Art. An homage to tradition. A political statement.  Commentary on the Art world. At first Bren Ahearn’s cross stitch samplers seem to lend themselves to simple and straightforward labels.  But on closer examination these works defy and transcend these labels, sometimes with wit and sometimes with depth of meaning.

The Bellevue Arts Museum in Washington state is presenting a selection of Ahearn’s needlework in Strategies for Survival, an exhibition which will run through January 15, 2017.  Brooke talked to curator Stefano Catalani about the history of needlework and its place, or lack of place, in fine art circles.  Catalani also provided insight into the various ways Ahearn’s pieces have been interpreted and received.

Bren Ahearn, Sampler 1, Photo: Allison Tungseth

Bren Ahearn, Sampler 2 Photo: Allison Tungseth

 

Bren Ahearn, Sampler 2, Photo: Kiny McCarrick

Featured Image:  Bren Ahearn, Sampler 5, Photo: Kiny McCarrick

All images used with permission