Search

Architectural Textiles by Sarah Zapata Explore Material Culture and Intersecting Identities

07 May, 2025

This post was originally published on Colossal

In vibrant patchworks of woven patterns and fuzzy fiber ends, Sarah Zapata’s sculptures (previously) emerge as wall-hung tapestries, standalone pieces, and forest-like installations. Through the convergence of architectural structures, soft textiles, and myriad patterns and textures, her site-specific works examine the nature of layered identities shaped by her Peruvian heritage, queerness, her Evangelical upbringing in South Texas, and her current home in New York.

Zapata balances time-honored craft practices with contemporary applications, highlighting the significance of Indigenous Peruvian weaving, for example, as a means of communication. Symbols and patterns composed into cloth traditionally provided a means of sharing knowledge and cosmological beliefs.

an installation view of a gallery with a leaning textile column-like sculpture, with the walls painted in wide orange and red stripes
Installation view of ‘Beneath the Breath of the Sun’ (2024) at ASU Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona. Commissioned by CALA Alliance

In abstract sculptures that often merge with their surroundings, Zapata incorporates unexpected and vibrant color combinations with woven fabrics and tufted textures. Resisting easy categorization, her pieces are neither functional nor purely decorative, although they play with facets of both.

Zapata consciously holds back from creating work that is too “beautiful,” inviting a remarkable, tactile exploration of relationships between craft, lineage, community, and memory.

Some of the works shown here are included in Support Structures at Sargent’s Daughters, which continues through through May 3. Find more on Zapata’s website and Instagram.

a gallery wall with a large, draping textile with numerous colors and textures, which extends onto the floor
“How often they move between the planets” (2022), handwoven cloth, natural and synthetic fiber, 144 x 60 inches
a detail of a large, draping textile with numerous colors, patterns, and textures
Detail of “How often they move between the planets”
a colorful, abstract textile sculpture with different textures, primarily a tall rectangle with a sac-like shape on top
“Part of the tension (from earthen pits) I” (2024), handwoven cloth, natural and synthetic fiber, and hand coiled rope, 49 x 14 x 14 inches
an installation view of a gallery with numerous textile column-like sculptures with the walls painted in wide black and gray stripes
Installation view of ‘To strange ground and high places,’ Galleria Poggiali, Milan. Photo by Michele Alberto Sereni
a gallery wall with a large, draping textile with numerous colors and textures, which extends onto the floor
“Towards and ominous time III” (2022), handwoven cloth, natural and synthetic fiber, 144 x 60 inches
an installation view of a gallery with numerous textile column-like sculptures with the walls painted in wide black and gray stripes
Installation view of ‘To strange ground and high places,’ Galleria Poggiali, Milan. Photo by Michele Alberto Sereni
a detail of a textile sculpture showing numerous textures and colors with many fiber ends
Detail of “Part of the tension (from earthen pits) II”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Architectural Textiles by Sarah Zapata Explore Material Culture and Intersecting Identities appeared first on Colossal.

Pass over the stars to rate this post. Your opinion is always welcome.
[Total: 0 Average: 0]

You may also like…

Climate Change Added 30 Days of Extreme Heat for More Than 4 Billion People Since Last Year: Study

Climate Change Added 30 Days of Extreme Heat for More Than 4 Billion People Since Last Year: Study

Human-caused climate change added an extra 30 days of extreme heat for more than four billion people worldwide over the course of a year, a new report has found.  The report, a joint effort by the World Weather Attribution, Climate Central and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, assessed the human impact on global […]
The post Climate Change Added 30 Days of Extreme Heat for More Than 4 Billion People Since Last Year: Study appeared first on EcoWatch.

City of Gosnells retains Gold for Waterwise initiatives

City of Gosnells retains Gold for Waterwise initiatives

The City of Gosnells has once again earned Gold Waterwise accreditation from the Water Corporation, recognising its strong commitment to sustainable water management.

Director of Infrastructure Martyn Glover was also honoured with an inaugural Waterwise Champion Award for his leadership in water efficiency initiatives.

The Gold Waterwise accreditation acknowledges WA local governments that demonstrate leadership in sustainable water management. The new Waterwise Champion Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate passion, creativity and leadership to drive change in water efficiency.

Mayor Terresa Lynes congratulated Glover on his achievement.

“Martyn has been a driving force behind the City’s efforts toward holistic and integrated water cycle management, green space planning and the Smart Drainage program, making him a worthy recipient of this award,” she said.

Martyn Glover with his Waterwise Champion Award. Image: Supplied.

Lynes said retaining the Gold Waterwise accreditation was a huge success given Perth had experienced record dry weather in the past two years.

“Our climate is getting drier each year, which makes this Gold Waterwise accreditation even more important,” she said. “By thinking carefully about where the City uses water and how we can make that more efficient and effective, the City continues to improve our environment while saving ratepayer dollars.”

Key initiatives contributing to the City’s recognition include:

planting over 1100 trees and 3000 understorey plants in Canning Vale with support from a $115,000 Urban Greening Grant;
promoting waterwise gardening through community programs like Plants for Local giveaway and a demonstration garden at Amherst Village Community Centre;
upgrading Mary Carroll Park to enhance community connection to water;
implementing irrigation efficiencies and the award-winning Smart Drainage project.
 

Top image caption: City of Gosnells retains Gold Waterwise status. Image: Supplied.

0 Comments