De aanraking van textiel: over de relatie tussen kunst, tactiliteit en textiel

Abstract

Whether you visit an established modern art institution or a small, independent art space showcasing work by young artists, there is now a good chance that you will encounter textiles. The medium seems to have crept into exhibition spaces almost unnoticed and features in exhibitions on social themes, technology, craftsmanship or forgotten history. Where does this interest in textile art come from? Whereas touch and sight were still considered equal in the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment saw a separation between the arts (ocularcentric), which were regarded as superior, and the lower crafts (tactile). Working with textiles also has a reputation for being typically feminine, which has led to this art form being undervalued. Currently, there is a resurgence of interest in textiles, both historically and in practice. Because textiles are so closely linked to craftsmanship, this resurgence has also led to a renewed interest in the role of the sense of touch in art.