In lively patchworks of woven patterns and fuzzy fiber ends, Sarah ZapataThe sculptures (earlier) appear as tapestries, stand-alone pieces and forest-like installations. Through the convergence of architectural structures, soft textile and countless patterns and textures, her site-specific works are investigating the nature of layered identities formed by its Peruvian heritage, queernness, her evangelical education in southern Texas and her current house in New York.
Zapata balances ancient artisanal practices with contemporary applications, and emphasizes the importance of indigenous Peruvian weaving, for example as a means for communication. Symbols and patterns composed in fabric traditionally offered a means to share knowledge and cosmological beliefs.
In abstract sculptures that often go together with their environment, Zapata contains unexpected and lively color combinations with woven fabrics and tufted textures. Her pieces are resisted for simple categorization, are neither functional nor pure decorative, although they play with facets of both.
Zapata consciously loves creating work that is too ‘beautiful’ that invites a remarkable, tactile exploration of relationships between craftsmanship, origin, community and memory.
Some of the works shown here are included in Support structures bee Sargent’s daughterswhich continues up to and including 3 May. Find more about that of Zapata website And Instagram.
