Exhibition Opening: Matthew Addonizio - Heirlooms

Please join us this Thursday, April 3rd, from 18:00—20:00 for the opening of Matthew Addonizio's Heirloom.

One of the founders of Applied Textiles on Fabric Row, his personal artistic practice produces works for both the body and the home, bridging the gaps between art, craft, fashion, and architecture. The textiles he produces are for non-conformers, creatives, storytellers and those in pursuit of textiles with a deeper meaning that will last forever as a part of their life, rather than a single season.

A self-taught pattern maker, Addonizio’s works employ quilting, patchwork, embroidery, appliqué, all in a minimal color palette whose forms embrace abstraction. His works are constructed of natural fibers - cotton, linen, silk, and wool - from small suppliers who are conscious of where their materials come from and their impact on the environment. 

In recent years Addonizio has delved deeply into material research and exploration, working with handloom weavers in West Bengal to realize his designs into meters of fabric. Their knowledge and skill helps guide fiber selection, dye process, and special weaving techniques. Passing on the insights he has gained through exploring and learning from these weavers’ indigenous practices has become core to his practice.

Addonizio doesn’t believe that his work stops with the making process - the people who wear and the architectures that embrace his pieces become artistic collaborators. In his clothing the movements that wearers make and places they take the garment—even the wear of the materials over time—all continue to impact each piece and its story. For his domestic hangings, elements of light, location and the lived experiences that take place around them acquire the same combinatorial effect. He believes that his contribution through the initial creation, materials, design, techniques, and practice of creating the works is only heightened when others imbue them with life.

Heirlooms is on view through Saturday, April 24th.

Host or Publisher Commonweal