Master´s Thesis 2023
Bauhaus University Weimar
Bauhaus University Weimar
How Many Layers Are You Able to Think in/of?
Prof. Mona Mahall,
Prof. Alexandra Toland,
Dr. Dulmini Perera
Prof. Alexandra Toland,
Dr. Dulmini Perera
In my thesis project, I explore the question:
Which possible future patterns of skills for design and spatial practices can be identified from looking at the multiple dimensions and frictions of the textile craft practice of weaving from feminist new materialist perspectives that aim for more ecological and just notions of progress?
In the first part of my thesis, I approach these issues from the dimension of history, which enables me to understand present conditions of weaving in terms of possible better futures. I do this through written conversations between different ideas about the current conditions of weaving in Germany, grounded in Western modern concepts and perspectives from feminist new materialisms that offer alternative futures. This play with the different times allows interaction with the multiplicities and frictions of our heritage and, according narratives, which can influence our current situations and even change the corresponding ones. The five conversations are fictional and were composed by me. As such, they express my interest in these topics, reflecting the ideas of different people such as: Anni Albers, Donna Haraway, Glenn Adamson, Sandra Harding and Tim Ingold.
In the second part of my thesis, I draw on the aspects found in the five conversations that may be important for possible future patterns of skills within design and spatial practices. I do this by translating these aspects into five woven pieces that provide insight into these possible future patterns of skills in response to a different narrative of progress and weaving. In this way, I locate my research in practice and in the context of my personal experiences and desires for more ecological and just ideas of progress. These weavings move between representation and application and tell stories that are not completed but rather ongoing. However, not all aspects found are ground—breaking or new. Instead, this project is about visualizing a different perspective.
Which possible future patterns of skills for design and spatial practices can be identified from looking at the multiple dimensions and frictions of the textile craft practice of weaving from feminist new materialist perspectives that aim for more ecological and just notions of progress?
In the first part of my thesis, I approach these issues from the dimension of history, which enables me to understand present conditions of weaving in terms of possible better futures. I do this through written conversations between different ideas about the current conditions of weaving in Germany, grounded in Western modern concepts and perspectives from feminist new materialisms that offer alternative futures. This play with the different times allows interaction with the multiplicities and frictions of our heritage and, according narratives, which can influence our current situations and even change the corresponding ones. The five conversations are fictional and were composed by me. As such, they express my interest in these topics, reflecting the ideas of different people such as: Anni Albers, Donna Haraway, Glenn Adamson, Sandra Harding and Tim Ingold.
In the second part of my thesis, I draw on the aspects found in the five conversations that may be important for possible future patterns of skills within design and spatial practices. I do this by translating these aspects into five woven pieces that provide insight into these possible future patterns of skills in response to a different narrative of progress and weaving. In this way, I locate my research in practice and in the context of my personal experiences and desires for more ecological and just ideas of progress. These weavings move between representation and application and tell stories that are not completed but rather ongoing. However, not all aspects found are ground—breaking or new. Instead, this project is about visualizing a different perspective.