Friday Dec. 9th, 2011
A Common Thread
The idea behind “A Common Thread” comes from the folkloric belief that we are all connected by the strings of fate. This common thread runs through each of us, especially as the four of us share a common heritage—that of Armenian descent. This exhibition is about how our origins metamorphose within us and emerge as individual expressions of our heritage and personal experience. Each student-artist has created their own interpretation of what they see as their own trans-ethnic identities.
My first gallery show: A Common Thread
Special thanks to EVERYONE involved in making this event a success!
Transfiguration Dress 3: Rebirth
Raw Silk, hand-dyed and printed by Levon Kafafian, many thanks to Abigail Rist for her expertise in draping and styling.
Hand-dyed kozo accessories by Levon Kafafian.
Transfiguration Dresses 1&2: Process and Inspiration
On Jenna VanFleteren: Dress 2: Upheaval
On Karen Quinn: Dress 1: Decline
Raw silk, hand-dyed and printed by Levon Kafafian, many thanks to Abigail Rist for her expertise on draping and construction.
Hats made from hand-dyed kozo, Levon Kafafian
Scarf on Dress 2 handwoven cotton, Levon Kafafian
Transfiguration Triptych Part 3: Rebirth
On-Loom Ikat with Inlay
Fiber Reactive Dyes on Rayon, Cotton
Transfiguration Triptych Part 2: Upheaval
On-Loom Ikat with Inlay
Fiber Reactive Dyes on Rayon, Cotton
Transfiguration Triptych Part 1: Decline
On-Loom Ikat with Inlay
Fiber Reactive Dyes on Rayon, Cotton
Transfiguration Triptych Process and Inspiration
Statement
I am an Armenian-American raised simultaneously in both cultures. I’ve come of age in an era where the masses have been drastically removed from the materials and processes that sustain their daily lives. My work addresses both material and ethnic culture in the phase of transition and transformation. It is a plea, rather a demand to the public to embrace and engage their trans-ethnic identities in direct relation to the materials that shape their lives.
