The contemporary art world is experiencing a remarkable surge in textile and fiber art exhibitions, with four groundbreaking shows currently demonstrating the medium's most innovative and creative expressions. These exhibitions, spanning from New York to Dallas to Providence, are redefining how audiences perceive and engage with textile arts, elevating fiber work from traditional craft to cutting-edge contemporary art.
The Museum of Modern Art in New York has presented "Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction," a comprehensive exhibition featuring approximately 150 objects that explore the deep connections between textile techniques and abstract art. This thematic exhibition reveals how fundamental fiber craft methods such as weaving, knitting, and braiding have historically been intertwined with abstraction across various creative disciplines. The show encompasses diverse applications from tapestry and apparel to basketmaking, featuring works by renowned historical and contemporary artists including Anni Albers, Sonia Delaunay, and Igshaan Adams. The exhibition demonstrates how textile arts have consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional artistic categories.
In Dallas, the Contemporary Art Center has hosted "You Stretched Diagonally Across It: Contemporary Tapestry," curated by multifaceted writer Su Wu. This group exhibition brings together an impressive collection of hung textile works by 30 contemporary artists, including notable names such as Diedrick Brackens, Jovencio de la Paz, and Christy Matson. The exhibition takes a dual approach, exploring both the handicraft aspects of the medium—emphasizing the physical labor and improvisation involved in creation—and its conceptual dimensions, investigating how woven forms can depict or suggest various types of meaning and narrative.
The American Folk Art Museum in New York is currently presenting "An Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles," running through March 1, 2026. This comprehensive survey takes an eco-critical perspective on American textile production throughout the nation's history. The exhibition investigates the environmental and social implications of harvesting raw materials, examines the nature of American textile trade, and explores the technological developments that have shaped the industry. Through the specific lens of quilt making, the show features nearly 30 diverse works spanning from the 18th century to the present day, providing visitors with a complete understanding of how American textile traditions have evolved.
At the Rhode Island School of Design Museum in Providence, "Liz Collins: Motherlode" presents a retrospective running until January 11, 2026, showcasing the full scope of the New York-based queer feminist artist's work in fiber. Collins, a RISD alumna, has developed her career across multiple disciplines including fashion, fabric design, and fine art, becoming best known for her bold abstract patterns and innovative use of materials. Her works frequently address pressing social and cultural topics such as identity, gender, and ecology, demonstrating how contemporary fiber artists are using their medium to engage with current social issues.
These four exhibitions collectively represent a significant moment in the art world's recognition of textile arts as a vital contemporary medium. They showcase how fiber art has evolved from traditional craft practices to become a powerful vehicle for artistic expression, social commentary, and cultural dialogue. The diversity of approaches—from historical surveys to contemporary retrospectives—demonstrates the medium's versatility and its growing importance in the contemporary art landscape.
