Silk and textile objects by Petra Schwab
31 January 26 to 2 April 26
Petra Schwab graduated from the HfbK in Hamburg with a degree in textile design, but never worked in this profession. For many years, she was fascinated by painting on silk and the brilliance of the colours on this luxurious fabric. She treats it like a giant canvas with sweeping gestures and dynamic brushstrokes. The proverbial sensuality of silk often determines her (sometimes obscene) motifs.
The unexpected use of materials, the combination of opposites, and the contrast between form and content are dominant attractions for the artist. The possibility of giving fabrics a third dimension through draping, free fluttering, sewing and embroidery appeals to her love of experimentation.
Petra Schwab discovered the ancient embroidery technique of smocking, which is now only used in haute couture. This technique is characterised by a softly contoured, stretchy diamond pattern that reminds the artist of a vulva. When used on less luxurious materials such as old kitchen towels and dishcloths, her elaborate embroidery techniques take on an absurd quality: sensual motifs in a completely non-sensual context (and vice versa: banal motifs on sensual material).
The textile works challenge viewing habits and provoke irritation. It’s wonderful that art can do that.
www.petraschwab.de
Instagram: petra.schwab.seide
Menu Pre-Loves for the exhibition Phallic Fruit and sensual Flaps:
“Aphrodisiac”
Cream of mussel soup with poached oyster on a seaweed salad with pear and sesame
Vegetarian: Celery essence, Roscoff onions with smoked rapeseed oil, seaweed salad and sesame
“Interlude”
Crèpinette of Iberico pork and lamb,
Pan-fried octopus and tomato-chilli sauce with anchovies and oregano
Vegetarian: Cabbage rolls with spinach and walnut,
Porcini mushroom sauce
“Red Plate”
Baked peppers on labneh
Compressed tomato with balsamic vinegar
Braised beetroot with star anise and horseradish
Pomegranate and port wine reduction
Polenta diamonds with Parmesan
Crêpe Suzette with tonka bean cream