December 28, 2007

“Stitchery”, The New York Times, Home & Garden

Ana de la Cueva, “Pricked: Extreme Embroidery” - Museum of Arts and Design, New York

“Pricked: Extreme Embroidery,” an exhibition of 60 contemporary artworks, many using text and images, made from fabrics, yarns, threads, lace, crystals and such unusual materials as found gloves and a $5 bill, will continue through March 9, 2008.

The objects on display include works by Nava Lubelski consisting of embroidered designs sewn into found pieces of stained linen; portraits by Maria E. Piñeres of celebrities, like Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr., who have been arrested; text and images selected from daily newspapers and television programs by Tilleke Schwarz, a Dutch artist; and a video of a digital embroidery machine stitching a map of the United States, Mexico and the planned border barrier in red thread, by Ana de la Cueva.

Maira Kalman, an artist, designer and author-illustrator, will speak about her work in “Extreme Embroidery,” as well as her new book, “The Principles of Uncertainty” (Penguin, October 2007), on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. (This program is intended for adults. Ms. Kalman will not be talking about her children’s books.) Space is limited for the program, which is free with museum admission.

Another exhibition at the museum through March 9 will be “Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets.” One hundred functional and fanciful goblets, made from glass, metal, clay, fiber, wood and mixed media, will be on display.

The museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is $9; students and those 65 and older, $7; members and children 12 and under, free. Information: madmuseum.org.