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Jon B. Wahling Fiber Wall Art Suspended from a Welded Steel Armature, 1970s

Creator: Jon B. Wahling
Offered by: Appleton

Description
Fiber Wall Art by Jon. B. Wahling (1938 - 2020) created in the mid 1970s consisting of layered panels hand tied to a welded iron rod frame three layers deep.
The tremendous variety of textures and colors twisted, knotted, woven and tied add to the impressive virtuosity and sophistication of techniques found in this unusual handcrafted art work reminds one of the wonderful works of Sheila Hicks or Lenore Tawney.
"Wahling was dominating the fiber scene in the U.S. by the late 1960s and early 1970s. The practice of weaving was invented as early as 27,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest forms of human technology. Textile art —which encompasses weavings, embroideries, tapestries, fiber arts, carpet design, and more—has undergone a renaissance over the past century, as artists have pushed the boundaries of what can be considered a textile, as well as how a textile can be considered art. The 1970s, in particular, marked a turning point in this history. Wahling challenged the distinction between textiles and fine art, embracing techniques that were traditionally relegated to the realm of “women’s crafts,” such as sewing and quilting. He has continued to push the envelope in this field drawing inspiration from his International travels." "Anni Albers Textiles: From Bauhaus to Black Mountain, (Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2002)
This powerful piece was purchased in the mid-1970s by a noted member of the Dayton arts Community to hang in the addition to his home specifically built to house his diverse collection of fine and decorative arts. It hung there for nearly 45 years.
The artwork is in good condition with I assume mild fading to the natural dyes from their age and there must be some losses in the weaving but I can't find it so it is just an assumption.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	United States, Ohio
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Fiber weaving suspended on iron armature. Wall hanging
Condition:	Good. 45 year old textile fibre art must have some fading and minor losses.
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	411078