The art and politics of Mexican textiles: talk by Itzel Silva

Mexico is celebrated for its vibrant textile arts which reflect the country’s rich regional and cultural diversity. Produced predominantly by women, textiles are crucial to family livelihoods and empowerment as well as being living expressions of their community’s unique cultural identity and knowledge.

Mexican clothing and handicraft traditions have long been prominent elements of local and national anti-colonial movements, in the ‘mexicanidad’ of Frida Kahlo’s era and still today.

Though she is best known for her adoption of the traditional dress of Tehuana women from the Isthmus of Mexico, Frida Kahlo wore garments created by artisans from numerous regions and cultures.

In this talk, Mexican textile collector and enthusiast Itzel Silva will explore some of the weaving, embroidery, stitching, and embellishment techniques used across Mexican textiles and jewellery, and highlight key symbols and motifs which appear in traditional designs. She will share insights into the modern threats of appropriation and mass production in the global fashion industry, how ethical and sustainable contemporary designers and traders are engaged with artisanal communities, and the importance of these collaborations thriving into the future. Itzel will bring selected pieces from her collection for attendees to view up close.

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Image by Laura Alicia Gozalez

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You may also like the following events from Bendigo Art Gallery:

• This Wednesday, 28th May, 11:00 am, A very close reading of 'Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird': talk by Lauren Ellis in Bendigo
• This Thursday, 29th May, 03:45 pm, After School Art in Bendigo
• This Friday, 30th May, 02:00 pm, Living Connections: floor talk in Bendigo

Also check out other Arts events in Bendigo.