The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery presents “Motif: Silent Language,” an exhibition of mixed-media fiber works by Turkish artist Hale Ekinci. “Motif: Silent Language” will open on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022 and will run through Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022.
In conjunction with this exhibit, the artist will present an ECCE Speaker Series lecture from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. Ekinci’s lecture, entitled “Written in Oya: Symbolic Patterns and Women's Work,” will feature images of her works that explore phases of acculturation, immigrant identity and ideas about gendered labor.
Immediately following this lecture, the UIS Visual Arts Gallery will host an exhibition reception for “Motif: Silent Language” from 6:30-8 p.m. at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. This event is free and open to the public.
“Motif: Silent Language” will feature works that combine collaged fiber techniques, found textiles and photographs from family archives. Decorative fringes are influenced by Turkish oya, lace edging on a headdress, and its use of symbolic patterns that serve as a secret language between women to express private, personal sentiments. By utilizing found materials and fiber crafts, Ekinci questions the value and worth assigned to materials and women’s work.
Hale Ekinci is a multidisciplinary Turkish artist based in Chicago. She is currently an Associate Professor of Art & Design at North Central College. Focusing on personal history, hybrid identity, gender politics and craft traditions, her works vary from videos to embroidery paintings embellished with vibrant colors, patterns and cultural relics.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, room 201 (HSB 201). Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
For more information, visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website or contact the gallery at 217-206-6506 or iszab2@uis.edu.