How do fabric sculptures address themes of vulnerability and protection?

Fabric sculptures uniquely explore themes of vulnerability and protection through their materiality and form. The soft, pliable nature of textiles inherently evokes fragility, mirroring human vulnerability. Artists often use delicate fabrics like lace or gauze to emphasize this, while stitching and layering techniques symbolize mending and resilience. The tactile quality invites touch, creating an intimate connection that underscores the need for care and safeguarding. Conversely, some works incorporate dense, wrapped forms or armored textures, representing self-protection or societal shields. By manipulating fabric—a material associated with clothing and shelter—these sculptures poetically reflect the duality of exposure and safety, making abstract emotions physically tangible. The interplay of light and shadow further enhances these themes, as translucent fabrics reveal inner structures while opaque layers conceal them. Through this medium, artists bridge personal and universal experiences of tenderness and defense.