Just had to say something

I just had to post today to say something in support of my mate Annabel Rainbow. Annabel makes quilts, knock-your-socks-off quilts, stop you in your tracks, make you look, make you think quilts. I know this because I've seen her quilts at exhibition and I've seen the visitors admiring them, studying them, talking, smiling and even crying in front of them.

An appeal came by email to submit quilts for World Quilt and Textile in the US to be part of the UK contingent. I said Linda and I were going to have a go and suggested to Annabel that she ought to too. We were all selected and happily sent our quilts via the UK co-ordinator to the US. None of us could attend in person so we welcomed photos emailed to us to get a feel for the show and how the quilts looked. Mine hadn't faired too well, having obviously been folded for a while with presumably a pile of other quilts on top. My stuff tends to crease quite badly because I quilt closely and the poplin that I use top and botton tend to hold a fold terribly. But there you go, one of the pitfalls when sending work overseas - I know it's expensive to send everything rolled. At least my quilt didn't require a warning sign like Annabel's. Yes a warning sign.

Annabel's an artist. She paints nudes. Shocking isn't it? Well no actually. Oh, unless you're at a quilt show. And that's not the half of it, the sign is not enough, the quilt is apparently hung behind a curtain so as not to offend. Now I know by now you're itching to see the graphic, sexually explicit nudity that must surely be on display. Well, if you are easily offended by a bit of skin look away now...

Life 1 - Measures of Time by Annabel Rainbow
No, none of that. Just an older, slightly overweight woman who looks, well, who probably looks like the average quilt show visitor. This is a clever, witty, beautifully drawn and painted, skilfully pieced and quilted piece of work. We all know that the naked human body has featured in art from the beginning of time. Is it any wonder, when attitudes that have led to this censorship prevail, that the quilt world is not viewed on a par with other art forms such as painting, photography and sculpture? I am presuming that should David ever go on tour he'll be accompanied with a modesty screen for those visitors of a nervous disposition.

I wonder about the sort of people who complain about art like this. Those who feel it necessary to put up a sign and a curtain. I wonder how they go about getting dressed and undressed, presumably tackling the whole procedure in the dark for fear of accidentally glancing downwards. Fair enough, don't buy it, don't put it on your lounge wall, but don't be the reason that art like this may not be shown at other quilt show venues in your country. 

If you're made of strong stuff and think you can handle a bit more nudity (and great art) why not head over to Annabel's website or blog to see more.



Comments

  1. I absolutely loved Annabel's work when I saw it at the NEC....am so amazed that anyone would want to hide it behind a curtain. The work is so fantastic... it really should be hung in Tate Britain for the whole UK nation to see and admire. I also loved talking to Annabel. Am I a fan? You bet.. and I am in the same age group too. Keep up the good work Annabel and please keep exhibiting.

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  2. Annabel's work is the most fantastic, articulate, compassionate art about and for women that I have ever seen. I was one of many who told her at FOQ just how moved I was by her work. I find it astonishing that this artwork can be selected for display, then covered by a modesty curtain to protect those of a sensitive disposition. What are the criteria that enabled a quilt to be displayed, then hidden? Perhaps we need to have a campaign of commendations sent to the Organising Committee! ANNABEL - KEEP IT UP You have a strong and valid message and I want you to continue voicing it.

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  3. I became angry when I red that. I left a comment on Annebels blog. I am almost 70 years old and I LOVE her work. ( as wel as I do yours )

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  4. I did post a comment on FB page...so sad...Annabel's work is amazing and beautiful!!! If they don't like it...don't look!!! Geezzzzz

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  5. How pathetic! Her work is amazing...I don't suppose they got close enough to read the messages quilted on the naked flesh. I have never seen one up close but have watched videos of Annabel explaining her procedure, and it seems that the messages are an important part of the quilt. Michael Angelou will be turning in his grave.

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  6. Ah yes, only in North America where we are inundated with images of violence, destruction and young nubile bodies. Sadly I am not surprised by this censorship. The reaction to this work is a commentary in itself. Interesting.

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  7. I am outraged, incensed, and, sadly, somehow not surprised.

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  8. What an incredibly outrageous situation! I honestly can't believe it. If it weren't so absolutely detrimental to the issue of art quilts being seen as fine art, as they should be, it would almost be funny. I can just see these pathetic women, shaking with fear as they try to hang this piece.

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  9. I had to go back to read one more time - just to check that the quilt was sent to the US. For a moment there, I was sure the World Quilt and Textiles was arranged in a very different part of the world.

    I am SO looking forwards to seeing Annabel's quilts "live", as I understand they do make a strong impression on most people. Hopefully next year in Birmingham?

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  10. Hi everyone, Thank you for your supportive comments for Annabel's work. I know she'll catch up with the blog and will really appreciate them. She showed a number of the 'Life' series at Festival of Quilts (NEC) this year but I know she'll show the whole collection together once they are all complete. It'll be an amazing sight!

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  11. I can't ever understand why there has to be a distinction between art and quilts at all. Don't get me started on the craft vs art thing....pah!

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  12. I will reply properly on my blog when I've had an update from Mancuso. But in the meantime, I'd like to say a huge thank you to your all for your wonderfully supportive comments. I really appreciate your thoughts and good wishes; it's really good of you all :) Annabel x

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  13. Both my husband and myself were so impressed by Annabel's work when we saw it at the NEC this year (and I remember the quilt in question from last year too). I was one of those who cried when I saw them! Very moving and very much ART! I had always understood that Americans can be prudish, but this idea of a warning and a curtain is just ludicrous. My personal inclination in these circumstances would be not to send my quilt - but then many, more sensible, people would be deprived of beautiful moving, and thought provoking work.

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  14. Unbelievable! I was very moved by Annabel's quilts at FOQ- they are stunning, moving, beautifully made and make me feel glad to be a normal, 40something woman with lumps and bumps and not an airbrushed model. Annabel's quilts tell a story and we all have a story or two to tell! They felt really triumphant to me and it makes me mad that someone felt the need to hide them.x

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  15. Ridiculous! Annabel's work is fantastic. I'd love to see it in person. These same folks likely still think one can become pregnant by French kissing! Honestly.

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  16. This is a very sad statement but given what's going on in the US with the "morality" police I should not be surprised. It feels like we've stepped back 50+ years. I am sorry

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