Tapestries: Picasso, Calder, Matisse and other Great Twentieth Century Modernists

October 28, 2006 – January 7, 2007

This unusual exhibition brings together 20 grand tapestries from modern European and American collections. These major works of art offer a fresh perspective on 20th century modernism and its intriguing relationship to the time honored tradition of tapestries.

"Tapestry" refers to a weaving technique characterized by hand-woven textiles traditionally used for hangings, curtains and upholstery. In French, the term, "tapisser les murs", literally means to cover the walls with textiles. Unlike painting, creating art on a loom requires a very different conceptual approach, and an extraordinary amount of teamwork.

Included are the vibrant and joyful colors of Calder, Arp and both Delaunays, the bold figural architectonics of Léger and Le Corbusier, the cutouts of Matisse, and the cubism of Picasso. Woven works by Kandinsky, Vasarely, Braque, Dufy, Chagall and Ernst also add a diversity and verve to this exhibition that should delight and inspire visitors.

Our thanks to Ocala Electric Utility for generous support of this exhibition.