Artist statement:
Intertwined, a series of contemporary fiber and mixed media works that examines our intimate relationship with fiber and textile and the perpetual desire to touch it. Fiber is overtly tactile and plays a major role in everyday life, but as an art form, often made inaccessible for guests to touch and experience in a traditional gallery setting. This exhibition closes the gap and brings fiber back to its original purpose: to be touched, felt, and caressed. As guests explore the exhibition, they experience the work in a more haptic and familiar way. The softness of the fiber begs to be touched while the vinyl and specialty paper illuminates for a closer, more intimate look. With the light reflecting off the different materials, the viewer is invited to experience the works from a myriad of perspectives.
Margarita Vilshanetskaya is a fiber and mixed media artist based in Columbus, Ohio. She received her BFA in Two Dimensional Studies and Art Education from Bowling Green State University in 2012. She has exhibited work all over Ohio and internationally from Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery in Columbus, Ohio to a group exhibition in El Bruc, Spain. What started as a love for colorful, textured fiber and textiles, led to experimentation with non-conventional weaving materials and a more meaningful process that allowed Margarita to connect to her family and Eastern European heritage. She enjoys the versatility of fiber art and the creative freedom that comes with all the endless possibilities. In 2020, she launched her small business, Too Cool 4 Spool where guests can browse handmade, vibrant, and unique home décor and jewelry. This past year, Margarita has exhibited at the Ohio Craft Museum, Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, and the Stanley Art Center in Hampton, South Carolina. Currently, she is the Community Art Curator and Manager for the Office of the President at COSI Center of Science and Industry.
Denotes MAC-Presented Program