I can spin skies

Almagul Menlibayeva, Kazakhstan b.1969 / Wrapping history 2010 / Duratrans print in light box / 91 x 122cm / Purchased 2010 with a special allocation from the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Almagul Menlibayeva / View full image
When
5 Aug 2023 – 23 Jun 2024
Where
Queensland Art Gallery & Galleries 5 & 6 (Henry and Amanda Bartlett Galleries)
Admission
Free
About
‘I can spin skies’ spans historical and contemporary textiles and art influenced by textile practices from across Asia. The exhibition takes its title from fifteenth century Persian poet Rumi’s reflection on the humble silkworm’s ability to spin the thread that makes one of the most prized fabrics in the world. Works are shown in dialogue with historical scrolls, photographs, woodblock prints and Buddhist sculpture, signifying the connections between fabric and life across time and continents.
Idas Losin, Taiwan b.1976 / Waiting to sail 2016 / Oil on canvas / 80 x 105cm / Purchased 2018. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Idas Losin / View full image
Soe Yu Nwe, Myanmar b.1989 / Naga Maedaw serpent 2018 / Glazed porcelain, china paint, gold and mother of pearl lustre / Five parts: 133 x 48 x 37cm / Purchased 2018. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Soe Yu Nwe / View full image
Almagul Menlibayeva, Kazakhstan b.1969 / Wrapping history 2010 / Duratrans print in light box / 91 x 122cm / Purchased 2010 with a special allocation from the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Almagul Menlibayeva / View full image
Unknown / Untitled (Chakraman) (detail) late 19th century / Distemper on cotton / 293 x 51.5cm / Purchased 2010 with funds from the Henry and Amanda Bartlett Trust through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / View full image