Bauhaus Weaving Theory: From Feminine Craft to Mode of Design

Description

T'ai Smith deftly reframes the Bauhaus weaving workshop as central to theoretical inquiry at the school, uncovering new significance in the work the weavers did as writers. Exploring questions of establishing value and legitimacy in the art world along with the limits of modernism, this book confronts the belief that the crafts are manual and technical but never intellectual arts.

T'ai Smith is assistant professor in the department of art history, visual art, and theory at the University of British Columbia.

"T'ai Smith's careful opening up of the theoretical space between 'craft' and 'medium' will be an important intervention into discussions of medium specificity in the arts of the twentieth century. Attuned to the historical specificity of the practice, gender roles, and new possibilities for mediation in the Weimar period, she gives a compelling account of how the practical and theoretical concerns of weaving were negotiated discursively as well." -Frederic J. Schwartz, University College London "This is the first scholarly analysis of the theoretical writing by the women weavers of the Bauhaus and as such fills a huge gap in the literature about the work of women artists at the school and the role and evolution of a feminized craft within the institution's history. This book functions as not only a history of the weaving workshop, but also a nuanced history of the Bauhaus through the lens of creative practice." -Elissa Auther, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs "Smith's account yields important insights for the history of modernism as well as the art world's current fascination with textiles and fiber art. A welcome resource for any scholar of modernism and a crucial lens on contemporary textile art."-Art Papers "This book of theoretical essays uncovers a rarely spotlighted yet deeply significant creative process within the Bauhaus movement."-Metropolis "An edifying and overdue investigation of the weavers' far-reaching contributions."-American Craft "A fascinating book that should interest professionals and amateurs alike."-CHOICE "Compelling research."-Crafts Magazine "An important schoalarly work for anyone interested in the history of fiber art, weaving, and the discourse about art vs. medium-specific craft."-Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot "Bauhaus Weaving Theory proves to be foundational in rethinking weaving; it is a remarkable work of scholarship, pellucid and engaging."-Journal of Modern Craft