Radical Textiles

The use of textiles by artists and designers has long been associated with moments of profound social change and political rupture. From tapestry and embroidery to quilting and tailoring, in the hands of artists, textiles are defined by tension and transformation, resistance and activism. Textiles are a means of time travel and truth-telling.

Textiles galvanise communities. Through wars, pandemics and disasters, textiles have offered a way to mobilise social and cultural groups and build connections. In the late nineteenth century, British artist and designer William Morris sought to counter the mechanisation and mass-production of the Industrial Revolution by weaving tapestries on a manual loom with hand-dyed thread. Today, many artists are experimenting with the materials and techniques of textile design as a ‘slow making’ antidote to the high-speed digital age.

This education resource has been framed around the five themes Revival, Reconciliation, Resistance, Remembrance and Radical Bodies. Within each theme you will discover a variety of resources focusing on specific artists with making and responding activities to suit children of all ages.

Radical Textiles was a major exhibition at AGSA from 30 November 2024 - 30 March 2025.

Below are links to external resources for works in the exhibition that are on loan from other collections:

Nell Anne Quilt
The Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt Project
History Trust, Centre of Democracy has a wonderful edu resource on ‘social movements in South Australia’
NGV Women’s Suffrage Movement resource
Liz Williamson’s Weaving Eucalyptus Project
Kait James completed the façade of the Geelong Arts Centre building.

Women’s Suffrage Centenary Tapestries
Pierre Mukeba
Nicol & Ford
Nell
FRIDA LAS VEGAS
Kay Lawrence
Aids Memorial Quilt

Nell discusses her work on display in Radical Textiles
Leigh Robb introduces Radical Textiles
Tim Roberts discusses the AIDS memorial quilt in Radical Textiles
WARDROBE CRISIS with Clare Press - Tapestry! Embroidery! Quilting! Tailoring! Can Textiles Change the World? You Bet
Studio Feature Artist Frida Las Vegas discusses her practice
Natalie Badcock speaks on the Women’s Suffrage Centenary Community Tapestries
Gallery Guide Helen Bulis discusses The Adoration of the Magi, by William Morris and co.
WARDROBE CRISIS with Clare Press - Tapestry! Embroidery! Quilting! Tailoring! Can Textiles Change the World? You Bet