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Weavers of the Clouds: Textile Arts of Peru

Start Date 21 June 2019
End Date 08 September 2019
Venue Fashion and Textile Museum
Location London, U.K.
Curator Claudia Trosso, supported by Martin Morales
Six Peruvian outfits displayed in pairs on mannequins on white plinths against sheer grey material
A display of exhibits. In th front is a mannequin wearing a black top with a colourful skirt embroidered flowers and peacock fearthers

For decades, designers worldwide have been influenced by the traditional textiles of Peru. Weavers of the Clouds explores the processes and practices of both historic and contemporary Peruvian costume via garments, textiles, photographs, tools, illustrations and paintings, dating from pre-Hispanic to the present day.

Works presented include pieces by contemporary Peruvian fashion designers Meche Correa and Chiara Macchievello, photographs by Sebastian Castaneda Vita, Marta Tucci and Toni Frissell, Peruvian-inspired designs from Vivienne Westwood and Naeem Khan and a broad selection of both traditional and contemporary Peruvian art, produced in a multitude of fascinating mediums.

With many artists of all forms now looking to Peru for inspiration, this is a very exciting time to examine the history and future of Peruvian arts.

Weavers of the Clouds: Textile Arts of Peru is supported by Kuna and Peruvian Connection.

Weavers of the Clouds: Textile Arts of Peru is accompanied by the display A Thread: Contemporary Art of Peru, showcasing the work of 17 Peruvian artists.

Curated by Claudia Trosso and supported by Martin Morales, the display will highlight the varied work of contemporary artists, working with traditional weaving and embroidery techniques, or interpreting the aesthetic of traditional Peruvian textiles and costumes using modern mediums. A Thread: Contemporary Art of Peru will feature sculpture, painting, photography, mixed media and tapestry, revealing the versatility of contemporary art practice inspired by ancient textiles of the Pre-Columbian period.

Images by Dave Bennett/Getty Images for Fashion and Textile Museum