Often audiences are privy only to the finished product of an artist’s work, not so in Hou I-Ting’s Needlewomen in the Fields – When Needles Spark wherein the public is invited to contribute to an ongoing project of embroidery and textile labour. Simultaneously textile, performance and literal work Needlewomen in the Fields – When Needles Spark extends I-Ting’s practice of interrogating the relationship between creative expression and the processes of production.
Twice a week, between 11 am – 1 pm Fridays and Sundays (from 20 March) audiences are invited to book in for a session of guided embroidery at the desks assembled by I-Ting’s work. No prior experience is necessary. The object is simply to experience the process of methodically stitching.
Particularly interested in the influences of colonial and political regime in Taiwan’s history on women’s labour, Needlewomen in the Fields – When Needles Spark intentionally uses a traditionally feminine craft, embroidery. Using this medium reveals the human hours, sweat and skill behind an ever-growing consumer culture.
In an extension of her existing work utilising archival photography from Taiwan, Hou I-Ting’s work for the Biennale of Sydney sees visitors invited to contribute their own work by colourfully embroidering printed archival photos of Australia’s textile working history. Literally reanimating the production chain, I-Ting positions audiences as consumers and artfully denies them the privilege of a blind eye.
These sessions will take place within the installation of Hou I-Ting’s artwork at White Bay Power Station. This is located on the upper level of the Boiler House. You can enter the building at any of the entrances and head to the upper floor via the stairs or the lift, which is located in the centre of the building, exit at ‘Level 3’ and head through to the right. A member of our team will scan your ticket and be present to assist during your session time. All materials are supplied. Please note that the bathroom is located on the ground floor of the building.
To help you dive straight into the creative process on the day; you can get yourself familiar with a few foundational techniques beforehand. We recommend watching this guided tutorial to see the basic stitches in action.
Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney with generous support from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Sydney.
Photo by Yung-Jen Chen
