The Unanswered Questions #2, Dong Kyu

The Fusion of Fiber Arts, Fashion, & Design
SDA’s 2022 International Exhibition in Print

Each year, SDA’s International Exhibition In Print showcases the breadth and depth of contemporary artists and designers working with fiber and textile-based materials, methods, and techniques. The work of selected artists will be featured in the Fall 2022 issue of Surface Design Journal. The Journal is read by artists, gallery owners, curators, scholars, and enthusiasts nationally and internationally. Entries may be submitted online through June 1 via CaFÉ.

GUEST JUROR STATEMENT

As Guest Juror for this issue of Surface Design Journal, I want to highlight individuals who create within the blurred boundaries of fiber art, fashion, and design. From artists incorporating technology or unconventional materials to those working with hand-skilled techniques, these categories—art, fashion and design—make up the connective fibers that reflect different cultures, diverse values, social environments and specific visual languages. By underscoring the stories tailoring the work—beyond the visual and material qualities—our examination offers insight into these intriguing zones. The borderland where art and fashion meet is often used to pose critical questions about culture and identity, while reflecting on the power of visual representation. Each unique creation may explicitly tell an artist’s story or have a message hidden within the passion and labor of the artistic process. In this way, the work renders diverse histories visible and draws attention to the underrepresented. Whether viewed as accessory, commodity or art, each work captures memories ready to be shared, and through which viewers can reflect upon their own personal histories.

–Amber-Dawn Bear Robe, Guest Juror

Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply.

JOURNAL OVERVIEW

Journal managing editor Lauren Sinner and art historian Amber-Dawn Bear Robe will co-jury this exhibition, selecting work for inclusion in a comprehensive print and digital edition of the Fall 2022 Surface Design Journal. The publication will include full and detailed images as well as artist statements and juror reflections addressing the context of the work in the exhibition and its place within the evolution of broader trends in contemporary textile and fiber-based arts.

Artists whose work is selected will receive one complimentary print copy of Surface Design Journal

JURORS


Amber-Dawn Bear Robe (Siksika Nation) is Assistant Faculty of Art History in the Museum Studies department at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Santa Fe, NM, and Fashion Show Program Director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), Santa Fe, NM. Bear Robe achieved an MA in American Indian Studies and a second MA in Art History, both from the University of Arizona. Regional Emmys were awarded to Bear Robe in 2020 and 2021 for two documentary short films on Indigenous fashion. She is an acting trustee for the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) board, CO, and the Wheelwright Museum board, NM, and sits on the curatorial committee for Vital Spaces, NM.

 


Lauren Sinner is a multidisciplinary artist based in Portland, Oregon. She is currently the Managing Editor of Surface Design Journal, Mentor to MFA candidates, and an independent contractor to many arts organizations throughout the country. She received her MFA in Applied Craft + Design from the joint program between the Oregon College of Art and Craft and the Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2016.

ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY FEE

This exhibition is open to all artists, with discounted entry fee offered to SDA members. Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply. Artists may enter up to three artworks. 2D and 3D works are eligible, as is documentation of time-based media, performance, or conceptual work. Only photographic documentation of work will be considered. Work must have been completed since January 1, 2020. Work executed under classroom/educational guidance or supervision is not eligible. Artists who have been included in prior EIPs are encouraged to apply, but submitted work should show a progression or be from a different body of work.

Find information about SDA membership at Membership Benefits

Join today to enter at the SDA member price and and get 10% off your membership with the code SDAEXHIBITS

$25 entry fee for SDA members, up to 3 artworks
$45 entry fee for non-members, up to 3 artworks

ENTRY PROCEDURE

Entries are to be submitted online through CaFÉ

AWARDS

Award honorees will be featured with expanded coverage in the September publication of the Fall 2022 edition of Surface Design Journal, The Connective Fibers of Art, Fashion and Design. Award categories are:

  • Collaboration and Community
  • Emerging Artist/ Next Generation Award
  • Art as Fashion / Fashion as Art Award
  • Unconventional Materials Award
  • Current Statement Award
  • Innovation in Technique
  • Textiles and Technology

IMPORTANT DATES

March 22 – June 1, 2022 Call for Entry open through CaFÉ
June 6 – 24, 2022 Jurying process
July 1, 2022 Artist notification of acceptance
July 18, 2022 Selected artists provide text/ images/captions for publication
August 15, 2022 Design Phase for journal begins
Early October 2022 Publication of journal

Surface Design Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization founded in 1977, is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of textile-inspired art and design through member-supported benefits including publications, exhibitions and conferences. Visit us at www.surfacedesign.org.

For questions, contact info@surfacedesign.org.