How do fabric sculptures challenge traditional notions of “permanent” art?

Fabric sculptures challenge traditional notions of "permanent" art by embracing materials that are inherently fragile and mutable. Unlike stone or metal, textiles age, fray, and transform over time, forcing viewers to reconsider the value of durability in art. These works often celebrate impermanence, inviting interaction and change, which contrasts with the static nature of classical sculptures. Artists like Magdalena Abakanowicz and Sheila Hicks use fabric to explore themes of vulnerability and temporality, pushing boundaries in contemporary art. By prioritizing process and materiality over permanence, fabric sculptures redefine what it means for art to endure.