Israeli artist Maya Chaimovich will make her debut at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum with a new exhibition, “Waypoint: Quilts by Maya Chaimovich,” opening on May 10.
The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 7, is in the Pumphrey Family Gallery.
“We are thrilled to showcase these pieces as we establish ourselves as international collectors,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis and Robert James Executive Director of the museum. “Art quilts are expanding throughout the world, and it is important to recognize that movement. These striking quilts show a side of quilting and artistry that we are excited to highlight.”
Chaimovich’s work uses various materials, including lace, velvet, silk and synthetic fabrics primarily pulled from used recycled clothing. She creates her work focused on a main theme and group of colors, which guides her in creating her pieces.
Born in Israel in Kubbutz Yad-Mordechai, Chaimovich grew up in Holon and later lived in Kibbutz Zikim and Rama-Gan, where she currently resides. She began quilting in 1995, first making traditional quilts, but later became drawn to the abstract style of art quilting. Her work has been shown around the world and appeared in numerous catalogues and books, including her own, “Simply Creative Quilts.” She has won certificates of recognition in England, Israel, Japan and Switzerland.
“Through the art quilt, which became the main focus of my life, I learn to express my feelings and tell about my experiences,” Chaimovich wrote in her artist statement. “An important part of my design experiences is the use of materials from clothes worn by people I don’t know. I give them a life of their own and design my own creation. In that way the art quilt becomes a language for me through which I tell my personal story.”
This year, the museum also acquired three of Chaimovich’s works, including “Bud,” “To be Free” and “Train of Thought,” which will be featured in the exhibition. These pieces are the first from Israel in the museum’s expanding international and art quilt collection.
“We were blown away by the unique way she creates her quilts,” said Carolyn Ducey, curator of collections. “There’s something about her quilts that draws you into them. It is important and exciting to add this artist to our collection.”
For more information about this and other IQSCM exhibitions, click here.
