How do artists address fabric degradation as part of the artwork’s concept?

Artists often embrace fabric degradation as a powerful element in their work, transforming material decay into a conceptual tool. By allowing fabrics to fray, fade, or disintegrate, they highlight themes of time, memory, and impermanence. Some intentionally accelerate the process using chemicals or environmental exposure, while others document natural aging to comment on sustainability and fragility. Textile artists may also incorporate preservation techniques, like stabilizing fibers, to contrast decay with endurance. This approach challenges traditional notions of permanence in art, inviting viewers to reflect on the lifecycle of materials and the stories they carry. From installations to wearable art, fabric degradation becomes a metaphor for human experience, blending aesthetics with profound commentary.