'What's Left Behind' Art Exhibit Hits Horsham

“What’s Left Behind” an Exhibit by Sarah Van Aken

Opening Reception:
Friday, October 23, 2015
5-7p

Scatter Joy Center for the Arts
305 Horsham Rd.
Horsham, PA 19044

www.scatterjoyarts.org

The Scatter Joy Center for the Arts is proud to present a unique and interesting exhibit by the president of Kathy Davis Studios, Sarah Van Aken. Sarah’s work will showcase an exciting mix of prints and dyed fabric. Having seen her impact on the innovations and product designs showcased at Kathy Davis Studios, we are confident Sarah Van Aken’s own personal collection of work will make an exhibit you won’t want to miss. For details, please see below.

Artist Statement:

Shibori, batik and sun prints are artisanal craft, some of the oldest fabric dying techniques in the world. While the techniques are somewhat different, each is a resist dye technique that results in beautiful patterns and colors. The color of the dye does not reach an area of the fabric that is tied, coated or protected from the dye and the dye saturates the area of the fabric not protected. Thus, the dye is what is left behind. All three techniques were developed in a time when weaving fabric, dying it and making garments were a noble profession. A time when craftsman were appreciated, valued and paid. A time when the materials used were natural fibers and organic compounds made in small batches. These techniques only exist today in the revolution of DIY and niche high fashion.

Most of us give little thought to how our apparel arrived to our local retail store or the impact that it has on the environment, the economy and people. No longer is apparel manufacturing a noble profession with wages as low as eighty cents a day, hundreds of millions working in enslaved labor in manufacturing, millions of child laborers and thousands of deaths every day from manufacturing accidents. Too, little thought is given to the pollution created at each stage of the apparel lifecycle polluting the water, air and land. While the problems seem straightforward, the solutions are not. The global industry is in the trillions, creating jobs worldwide. Even some of those child laborers making less than $1.00 a day may be the only breadwinner in their family. A complex problem that should make you wonder what is left behind.

The show will include a Fine Art Installation and some hand dyed fabric apparel and accessories for sale.