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Throughline: The Fiber Art of Mary Balzer Buskirk

Montserrat Gallery

October 22 - November 23

Mary Balzer Buskirk (1931-2009) combined a commitment to weaving as an art form with an intense investigation of techniques specific to the medium. Early patterns for rugs set the stage for wall hangings that demonstrate varying degrees of transparency, along with tubular works that establish a sculptural presence. Buskirk began her engagement with textiles as a graduate student at Cranbrook in the mid-1950s. Following a move to California in 1960, Buskirk’s initial attraction to the inherent abstraction of the grid of vertical and horizontal fiber opened onto more sinuous compositions inspired by natural forms. Textiles in the exhibition also showcase Buskirk’s interest in off-loom techniques, along with her willingness, as her career progressed, to harken back to prior training in painting by mounting woven compositions on stretcher bars.

Untitled (long hanging with circles), 1959, 82” x 18”, wool Courtesy of Martha Buskirk
Untitled (long hanging with circles), 1959, 82” x 18”, wool
Courtesy of Martha Buskirk

Gallery talk with Prof. Martha Buskirk, Ph.D. daughter of the artist, Nov. 6 at 5pm followed by a reception at 6pm. The public is welcome at both events.

Featured Image:
New Beginning (detail), 1975, 33” x 35”, wool and mixed fibers
Courtesy of Martha Buskirk

New Beginning (detail), 1975, 33” x 35”, wool and mixed fibers Courtesy of Martha Buskirk