lin tianmiao weaves words about women into a carpet landscape at galerie lelong

chinese installation artist lin tianmiao presents ‘protruding patterns’ at galerie lelong in new york from now through october 21 2017. the solo exhibition transforms the main gallery into a landscape of woven carpets, where visitors can walk on intricate, labor-intensive work completed with textiles and thread.

the installation covers the span of the large gallery space
image © lin tianmiao, courtesy galerie lelong & co.

‘protruding patterns’ features words and expressions about women in various languages which were collected by lin tianmiao over the years. using novels, newspapers, and colloquial dialogue as sources, the artist gathers phrases that demonstrate the power of language in reinforcing sexist attitudes. this lexicon is woven into thickly raised wool forms, becoming tangible to visitors who can touch and walk on the carpets.

the artist has gathered phrases such as ‘divinité’ and ‘leftover women’ to examine sexist language
image © designboom

the exhibition at galerie lelong also features a selection of new paintings and sculptures in the adjacent gallery, which continue lin tianmiao’s exploration of ‘body language’. the artist’s past works have frequently employed everyday objects, exploring the relationship of tradition and modernization. having grown up in china as a woman, lin uses materials which are closely tied to the maternal responsibilities of a household and connects her past to china’s present.

the large scale of the powerful words creates a visceral experience
image © lin tianmiao, courtesy galerie lelong & co.

lexicon is woven into thickly raised wool forms
image © lin tianmiao, courtesy galerie lelong & co.

the vibrant woven characters contrast with the carpets below
image © designboom

visitors can touch and feel the words, creating a tactile experience 
image © designboom

the artist connects both tradition and modernity 
image © designboom

visitors can sit down on the carpet and feel the protruding thread 
image © designboom

over 2,000 expressions in various languages were sourced from contemporary outlets
image © lin tianmiao, courtesy galerie lelong & co