‘I can spin skies’ spans historical and contemporary textiles and art influenced by textile practices from across Asia. The exhibition takes its title from fifteenth century Persian poet Rumi’s reflection on the humble silkworm’s ability to spin the thread that makes one of the most prized fabrics in the world. Works are shown in dialogue with historical scrolls, photographs, woodblock prints and Buddhist sculpture, signifying the connections between fabric and life across time and continents.
Image: Almagul Menlibayeva, Kazakhstan b.1969 / Wrapping history 2010 / Duratrans print in light box / 91 x 122cm / Purchased 2010 with a special allocation from the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Almagul Menlibayeva
