Baudrillard might have found it difficult to locate oneself within a community, however there is a huge, ever-expanding community, that actually parallels network cultures. [CRAFT]work culture is a network based on a rich history of handicraft, dating back thousands of years, all around the globe. One of the earliest global “network cultures,” craft culture has now transformed with changes in contemporary society, to adapt to new technologies, ideologies, and economies. Historically, the quilting bee is known as a network of like-minded individuals, joined together to create an object or artwork, while simultaneously communing over news (i.e. gossip), food and stress-relieving practices. The modern version of a quilting bee manifests itself in various forms today, troping on many different issues in contemporary society.
There is currently a growing movement in the art world called “craftivism.” Betsy Greer, created the term in 2003, defining it as "a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite." It brings together craft + activism to ease unjust issues of society. Historically though, there are many artists who could fall under the rubric of craft-activists. Perhaps some of these artists would not be traditionally considered in the genre of craft, but through their use of certain media and ideas, they have been added to this particular collection.
This curatorial project will exhibit various artists and artisans who have helped transform "craft" into what it is today. It will also include exhibitions, craft shows, businesses, and other efforts to bring together individuals and groups interested in establishing active movements in a contemporary network society. All selected projects will provide a relation to the various topics addressed throughout the semester.
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