The Story of Flax: on Exhibition

Since opening on September 30th, the Regeneration of Flax Exhibition has seen over 200 visitors, motivating many to consider the nuances and applications of a single flax plant. Open now until November 12th, visitors to the Exhibition are inspired to “experiment with different bio-based materials, test their properties, and explore innovative design possibilities”.

Many are in awe of the antique textiles exhibited from the Kravet archive, including a spectacular 18th-19th century Suzani embroidery from Uzbekistan, which can be seen from 5th Avenue.

“One piece that stays with me the most is an abstract sculpture (Michelle Wilson’s Vata) that resembles dragon wings in the shape of an egg. I was especially impressed by the construction.” Selene K.  Wilsons’s Vata is a handmade sculpture from short flax fibers from Chico Flax which is made through a papermaking process. The structural frame is made from rattan. 

Others were surprised to learn about how flax can be used in new material composites due to its high tensile strength. A bike seat which was embroidered from flax fibers by Topher Anderson of ZSK Research Lab is exhibited as an example of a potential use of flax fibers in a performance application. 

“A piece that resonated with me the most was the Square Yard Quilt that was displayed outside of the exhibition space. It was interesting to see the different weave patterns, designs, and how the designs were created with the material’s texture and appearance in mind. I was surprised to learn that this piece was created by 60 people in a community over the last 3 years. I was touched by the community’s effort in creating something so beautiful.”  Joanne H.

Some are surprised to learn that linseed oil can be used in paint and are impressed by the color range. Linseed oil paints are exhibited from Ottossan, Brouns and Linolie. 

Visitors are allowed to touch certain objects in the exhibition, when labeled with a yellow dot. “This interactive aspect made the experience more memorable,” according to a current student. A professional colleague commented on the sensory experience, “I love the smell of the exhibit. I wish I could just lie down on the floor and take it in.”

Many are often shocked to realize that flax is not produced in North America today for fiber, and appreciate the diagram compiled by the North American Linen Association to display the groups who are working to revitalize this industry. 

A video of the PA Flax Project, taken and edited by Ghizlaine Mallek of HML, shows this revitalization work firsthand. 

Connecting the end use of the flax plant to its agriculture process and harvest shows how a single plant grows valuable and vital natural material resources. Associate Dean of SCE, Daniel Michalik, gives a successful review, “I’m super impressed at how cohesive yet expansive it is, telling the story of a single material.” 

Thank you to all who made it to A Night at the Gallery on October 15. Here are some photos, taken by Michelle Gevint, of flax night out: 

Learn more about the power of flax and curation of the exhibition here.

Watch the recording of the expert panel on flax here.

Visit Parsons to view the The Regeneration of Flax Exhibition at 66 5th Avenue before it closes on November 12th.