Agents of Change: Margaret Fabrizio and Kawandis exhibition is a celebration of selected works from Margaret Fabrizio, an internationally acclaimed mixed-media quilt and fiber artist. The exhibition focuses on a collection of work created over the last decade that is inspired by the Kawandi style of quilting, a technique developed by the Siddis culture that Fabrizio learned from during her travels in India.

Fabrizio was first introduced to the Kawandis while visiting a quilt exhibition in 2011. Intrigued by the craft form and determined to learn more, Fabrizio traveled to a remote state of Karnataka, India, where she spent two weeks with a local Siddi community, observing and learning the technique. She noted that Siddi quilters have a unique assembly process, working from the outside in, turning edges under and then stitching them together. These hand-stitched quilts are traditionally made from scraps, old saris and patches of recycled cloth, layered and arranged in a distinctive geometrical pattern.

Since her journey to Karnataka, Fabrizio has made over a hundred quilts, all by hand, using methods and materials characteristic of Kawandi quilts. She has made a significant contribution in sharing the Siddi Kawandi style with the West and has gained worldwide recognition for her unique Kawandi-influenced style.

This exhibition highlights three major categories of Fabrizio’s work that capture Fabrizio’s explorations of color, texture, and pattern, texture, and her deep curiosity for bringing together cross-cultural inspiration to expand the quilting landscape. As Agents of Change, Fabrizio’s quilts can teach us valuable lessons about respect, reverence, and humility and have a potential to patch us together despite our differences.

Hanna Regev
Guest Curator

Opening Night Celebration Thursday, September 15 | 6-8pm
Ruth’s Table Gallery | Onsite



Exhibition Dates
September 15 - November 11, 2022
Ruth’s Table Gallery



Exhibition Viewing Room
This exhibition will be available for viewing online soon. Check back for details.

Curatorial Statement →

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

AUDIO DESCRIPTIONS

The exhibition includes written and audio visual descriptions of each artwork recorded by the artist themselves wherever possible. Audio descriptions are available via QR codes on the wall labels.

BRAILLE and large font

A comprehensive Braille guide with labels and audio description texts is available for Deaf/Blind and visually impaired visitors. Exhibition materials are also available in large print.

ASL interpretation

All exhibition-related events have American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, live captioning, and online components.

ARTWORK IMAGE

Margaret Fabrizio, Rice, 2021. Old cotton rice bag, Japanese fabrics, used clothing, Burmese scrap. 29x39.