Winding and Unwinding Series (2015-2018) by @uma_rani_iyli Spinning is a monotonous, meditative process that encourages the act of remembering and therefore re-living. Embracing the practices of her ancestors is always at the forefront of Uma’s work in her journey to connection her past and present. Having grown up in India’s traditional caste-based society, she belongs to the weaver’s community. With that identity, Uma reference weaving, stitching and pattern making in her work. She returns annually to India to visit family and reconnect with her heritage. As an artist, this connection often reveals itself through material and process. During each visit, she gathers the leftover colorful thread from Sari Looms directly from the weaver on small spools to re-purpose in her studio back home in San Francisco. She also brings back gold thread as it serves as a continuum in material and color to elements of her Indian heritage. With these materials, she is able to remember and transform these memories into new forms through the winding and unwinding of thread onto Plexiglas tubes. To Uma, these are akin to the act of mediation. Embracing the idea of re-structuring time through these wound pillars of thread has been a way for her to translate ideas of identity, women’s work, and society into her contemporary experience. Please mark your calendars for our Opening Reception on May 10th from 6PM-9PM at @avenue3361 Gallery! #journalbuilding #journalbuildingartistresidency #sfart #sfartists #sanfranciscoart #groupartshow #artcollective #contemporaryart #avenuegallery #multimediaart #installationart #nonmainstreammaterials #weave #wovenart #sari #loom #threadart #culturalart #indianart
