Flowing Woven Bages
Author: Tana Quincy Arcega
This body of work employs my extrusion painting process on substrates sewn from synthetic textiles. Here at my residency in China, I’ve observed polypropylene woven sacks being used to transport everything from fabrics, packages, recycling, soil... They’re seen piled high on bicycles and scooters getting ingeniously from one place to another. I use 3D-spacer polyester mesh produced here in Shanghai and often used in the manufacturing of running shoes which transport our feet one deliberate step at a time. I’ve included everyday, functional materials such as sponges and towels (used to transport dirt/grime, water, and soap) or in the case of drawer liner to keep objects from transport.
Another observation here in China is the resourcefulness of playful problem-solving. I'm inspired by the flow of tasks unimpeded by the restriction of rules and guidelines for workers by the government. (Surprisingly there is more freedom here in many ways.) This too brings me back to the spirit of my childhood. These paintings, the shapes, connections, and materials therein are an attempt to revisit that resourceful play.