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University partnership paves the way for grand exhibition

10 October 2018

 

A unique new textile art exhibition exploring heroes in Greek mythology has been unveiled at Teesside University.

The exhibition is the result of a flourishing new partnership between Teesside’s School of Science, Engineering & Design and Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey.

It showcases the fibre artworks of academics and students from across Turkey using alternative knitting techniques and explores the world of the mythological Argonauts who accompanied Jason in his search of the Golden Fleece.

The group of artists, Face and Reverse, stand out as a vanguard as the very first group of textile art practitioners in their field in Turkey. The current works advance the innovations in textiles and fibre within a new context.

The exhibition aims to promote and popularise knitting art in Turkey and unite artists interested in this field, ensuring cooperation and interaction among global practitioners and academics.

Robert Burton, Head of Department (Design Innovation) in the School of Science, Engineering & Design at Teesside University, helped the group to bring their work to the UK in their first exhibition abroad.

Robert said: “We are incredibly pleased to be working with Marmara University to take this exhibition international, and we hope that our partnership continues to grow.”

We are incredibly pleased to be working with Marmara University to take this exhibition international, and we hope that our partnership continues to grow.

Robert Burton, Head of Department (Design Innovation)

Professor Biret Tavman, Head of Textile Department at Marmara University, launched the project and has been working closely with Robert to co-ordinate the exhibition.

“It is our sincere belief that Turkey, with its substantial knitting industry and significant economy in the export of fabric and textiles, can become even more robust thanks to artistic works like this,” explained Professor Tavman.

“We chose the theme of Golden Fleece Argonauts because each person’s life is an adventure full of perils that we have to face. Like the brave Jason and his 49 Argonauts, we have to face the difficulties life gently offers us.”

In the Greek legend, Jason’s uncle Pelias promised to surrender his kingship to Jason if Jason would retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. Jason called upon the noblest of heroes to help him in his quest but they faced many challenges along the way.

The exhibition is open to the public and is on display at the Constantine Gallery, Middlesbrough Tower at Teesside University from 4 to 26 October 2018.


 
 
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