Whitworth gallery

I saw a fine display of textiles at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.  I thought of Friedaquilter as I enjoyed the quilts and other fabric designs and creations.  The works were displayed in very large, light and airy spaces which showed them off to their best advantage. The children were given a hamper of drawing equipment so spread themselves on the floor and did not get bored. The cafe was pretty classy too.  The quilts above were by Risham Syed, a Pakistani quilter.  The catalogue says her work explores post-colonial identity in Pakistan, "The materials used and working processes are integral to the artistic strategy.  The stitching and layering technique adopted from quilt making echoes the layering of historical and post-colonial narratives in the work, while the materials used for the quilt tops reflect the complicated history of the British cotton trade with South Asia."  I am glad that was explained to me!  All in all the exhibition is well worth a visit.