How do fabric sculptures challenge traditional notions of “permanence” in art?
Fabric sculptures disrupt conventional ideas of permanence in art by embracing materials that are inherently fragile and mutable. Unlike stone or bronze, textiles age, fray, and decay, forcing viewers to confront the transient nature of artistic expression. Artists like Magdalena Abakanowicz and Sheila Hicks use fabric to explore themes of vulnerability and impermanence, creating works that evolve over time. This medium challenges the Western art canon’s fixation on durability, offering a dynamic alternative where change is integral to the piece’s meaning. By prioritizing process over permanence, fabric sculptures redefine what it means for art to endure.
