Weaving Generations: Intergenerational Project on Textile Art and the Work of Marta Palau

I propose a dialogue where I will speak in a language of knots, braided cord, entwined forms. My language will be . . . the harsh clamour of the broken cord, knotted, woven, twisted, braided, tied. . .

Cuesta, Rosendo, ‘Marta Palau, notas de una entrevista imaginaria’.

Marta Palau in El arte feminista de Marta Palau, Vindictas Artes Visuales, TV UNAM. Video

Weaving Generations aims to create a space for encounter and knowledge exchange in relation to textile art. The project is conceived for a group comprised of twelve individuals from Espais de Gent Gran de l’Eixample [Eixample Senior Spaces] of Barcelona, as well as six more from Eix Jove de l’Eixample [Eixample Youth Alliance] and six students with connections to the textile workshop at Escola Massana.

The proposal will be for the group to enter into dialogue with the work of Marta Palau through three practical sessions, dedicated to experimentation with weaving and knot-making techniques. Particular attention will be paid to the materials used, prioritizing those connected to the immediate context or the personal environment of each participant.

The project will conclude with a public activity to assess the processes and results of the sessions, culminating with a performance piece by members of the G.A.C. (Grup d’Acció Creativa) from Eix Jove de l’Eixample.

Programme

· Session 1 (30 April): visit to the exhibition Marta Palau: My Paths are Earthly. A small tapestry done with a vertical frame will be made in pairs. Previously, the looms will be prepared with the warp, while the kinds of fibres and materials that can be used for the grid will be explained.

· Session 2 (14 May): collaborative creation of a large tapestry made from materials taken from the immediate territory, along with others brought by the participating individuals. The session is conceived as a way to encourage shared narratives related to materials, their qualities and their origins. This session will feature the special participation of the project Tornen les esquelles [The Sheep Bells Return] and the design firm Cortana.

· Session 3 (28 May): collaborative creation of a circular macramé tapestry, derived from the sculptural volumes and knot-making techniques employed by Marta Palau.

· Public Presentation (11 June): presentation of the results and the technical and learning processes involved in the project. The session will conclude with a performance that dialogues with the work of Marta Palau, conceived and performed by members of the G.A.C. (Grup d’Acció Creativa) from Eix Jove de l’Eixample.