Sandra Pérez-Ramos in “Languages of Fiber” at The Goldman Gallery, Washington

The group exhibition “Languages of Fiber”, features 8 artists from Latin America, Maria Luisa Benavides, Teresa Camacho Hull, Felisa Federman, Magaly Garza, Cristina Montero, Francisca Oviedo, Sandra Pérez-Ramos and Roxana Rojas Luzon, who explore the creative potential of Contemporary Fiber Art.

Fiber art is a branch of the fine arts that utilizes textiles as media. The word textile comes from the Latin textere which means “to weave, to braid or to construct”. There are many methods of textile production, including sewing, weaving, and embroidery, or even covering the surface of cloth with decorative pictures. Textiles take many forms, they may be a rug, a wall hanging, an item of clothing, or even a sculpture. Their roots are in the beginnings of civilization through the works of craft persons that to this day produce objects by hand with variations that suit the intention and imagination of the maker. Contemporary Fiber Art goes beyond craft. Fiber artists today pursue the unknown, create new forms and expressions using old and new techniques and materials but emphasizing significance over utility.

Sandra Pérez 

The 1960s and 70s brought an international revolution in fiber art beyond weaving; fiber structures were created through knotting, twining, plaiting, coiling, pleating, lashing, interlacing, and even braiding. Artists explored the qualities of fibers to develop works that could be hung or freestanding, two or three dimensional, flat, or volumetric, many stories high or miniature, non objective or figurative, and representational or fantasy. The works presented in this exhibition are part of this movement and display distinctive approaches to Fiber Art influenced by the diverse cultures of Latin America. Viewers are invited to examine how each artist utilizes a variety of media to materialize their creativity.

Sandra Pérez-Ramos is a Puerto Rican artist and community art leader working in the MD/DC area. Inspired by Design from the 1950-70's, nature, folk arts and textiles, she invents whimsical narratives that explore fantasy or mystical and natural connections. Her intention for Public Art is to create uplifting works that encourage healing, inspire connection and celebrate diverse cultures. Her body of work also includes mixed media with a focus on textiles and material exploration.

Pérez-Ramos' works are part of permanent collections, acquired by the Children's National Hospital and The Marie Reed Project for Community Of Hope, both in Washington, DC. Also by Mayor Tracey Furman for the Town Hall in Kensington and by Artists & Makers Studios, arts center complex in Rockville, MD. 

Reception:Sunday February 27th 4-6:00pm

Artists talk: Sunday March 13th 2-4pm

The Goldman Gallery is open when the Bender JCC building is open. Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington is located at 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD. For more information: https://www.benderjccgw.org/arts-ideas/goldman-art-gallery/