How do artists address the gendered history of rattan weaving in modern sculptures?

Rattan weaving has long been associated with gendered labor, often viewed as a "women's craft" in many cultures. However, contemporary artists are challenging this narrative by incorporating rattan into modern sculptures, redefining its cultural and artistic significance. Through bold, large-scale installations and abstract forms, they subvert traditional gender roles and reclaim the medium as a tool for feminist expression.

Many artists draw inspiration from historical weaving techniques while infusing their work with themes of identity, labor, and empowerment. For example, some use fragmented or deconstructed rattan forms to critique domesticity, while others celebrate its organic flexibility as a metaphor for resilience. By blending rattan with unconventional materials like metal or digital elements, they bridge the gap between craft and high art.

Exhibitions and public installations further amplify this dialogue, inviting viewers to reconsider rattan's legacy beyond gendered stereotypes. As more artists engage with this medium, rattan weaving evolves into a dynamic symbol of cultural reclamation and artistic innovation in contemporary sculpture.