In tandem with the exhibition opening, FiBRA launches its premier publication

created in response to the journey taken by 8 international artists in early 2018.

An artistically opening, ecologically engaging and anthropologically captivating

publication that takes the reader on a path to delving deeper into the social histories

of textiles in Colombia. With an introduction by George Brae, a short story by

Gabriella Sonabend and a sociological reading by Juliana Steiner, immersed with

interviews and statements by the artists including Maise Cousins, Laurence Owen

and Charlotte Colbert; FiBRA fuses journalistic photography, unique artistic

illustrations, and personal discussions that comment on this cultural exchange.

A central aspect of our project was the collaboration with two indigenous

communities based in Colombia, The Kogi and Wayuu communities, for whom the

preservation of ancient skills in the working of fibres have been passed from

generation to generation. Most of Colombia’s rural communities consider natural

fibres to be the core, indispensable element of their social structure. These objects

are carriers of the communities’ myths and beliefs. The very structure and process of

textiles have an intrinsic relationship to cultural customs and the social fabric of

these communities. By looking into these traditions, we can shed light on many

contemporary issues, including gender politics, the ecological changes of humankind

and how globalisation in the coming decades will affect these practises.

During a transitional time in global issues, this publication sees Colombian history

and the future of Indigenous Cultures examined both personally and theoretically, in

the face of upcoming development and the threat of freedom of movement.

Each publication contains 4 postcards with images by FiBRA Residency participating

artists.

An Artist Publication by FiBRA PLATFORM ©

Director and Editor: Mia Pfeifer

Art Direction, Design and Publication Coordinator: Bea Bonafini

Associate Editor: Emily Bryson

Edition of 50

Made in Italy by NAVA Press - 2018