Noticias en MFH Knits
Michell Art Contest
agosto 11, 2014
Michell, a responsible company immersed in the world of textiles, has a rich 82-year history in this sector. Today its wish is to rediscover and reconnect with its artistic and handcrafting roots which, ultimately, generate the driving force leading to new techniques, technology and fashion.
The Art Contest promoted by Michell has for many years been undertaking the gratifying task of supporting artists from the Coast, Highlands and Jungle, of northern, southern and central Peru. Today, it might also be remembered that in its early days the contest presented and opened its doors to the plastic artist, providing a means of exhibiting his or her works in watercolour and oils, allowing the artist freedom of expression.
During the past five years, the Art Contest has experienced a transition from watercolours to textile art; in fact, the first steps were being taken to find out more about and give greater promotion to the traditional Peruvian activity of hand-weaving. Michell has created an interlude regarding watercolour and oil-painting techniques in order to focus on disseminating and encouraging hand-weaving - a most interesting artistic expression with a fascinating history - and to provide support for its promotion and development. With this modest effort, we also seek to contribute to furthering the knowledge of hand-weaving techniques, enabling them to live on into the coming generations.
Times have now led to a rediscovery of history, motivated by the magical art of textiles. In some cases it may take more than a day's work to weave just one centimetre of delicate fabric - which may record events, experiences, dreams and other subjects which inspire the weaver, who thus transforms them into art.
The objective is to rescue the multiplicity of hand-weaving techniques which have been handed down the generations and to avoid their passing into oblivion; each process is therefore documented. Similarly, support is given to the development of these artists of scarce means but priceless talent.
Furthermore, the most outstanding connoisseurs, scholars, collectors, artists, and art-lovers interested in this technique will be gathered so they can contribute with their ideas to enrich and assist with this lengthy but satisfying undertaking that enables craftsmen-artists to show their works as history which is alive, which changes, which discovers and rediscovers.
This year, the image of the Art Contest is being renovated; the logotype has been created with measured coloured lines to suggest movement and three-dimensionality. Inspired by the yarns used by Andean weavers, this is how we intend to project a new image.
With the same enthusiasm displayed by the Michell family when initiating this rewarding task in 1980, today this work is being redefined, while continuing the labour of social responsibility - on this occasion, with a commitment to the evolution of Peruvian textile art.