Razzle-Dazzle
Rachel Mari Simkover
2–14 April 2024

Razzle-Dazzle unveils Rachel Mari Simkover's vibrant exploration of color and pattern within the rich tapestry of textiles. This exhibition presents three distinct series, each a contemporary take on traditional weaving structures and techniques. Two of the groups of works have warp yarn that were painted before being fixed to the loom, resulting in threads that move slightly out of alignment and colours that shift unpredictably.

In the Jazz series, the visibility of the pattern undulates depending on the contrast between the painted yarn and weft yarn.
In the Splish series, the blue grid lines interrupt the flow of colour, isolating random colour combinations and reinforcing the structure of the woven object in contrast to the painterly colours.
The Tutti Frutti series also has grid lines that impose structure, but instead of painted yarn, the warp contains many colours, placed randomly.

These series of works blend structure with improvisation to create dynamic and playful pieces that characterise Simokver’s approach to artmaking.

Rachel Mari Simkover (b. 1989, Berkeley, CA, USA) is a Japanese-American visual artist currently based in Sydney, NSW. Her practice has evolved from painting and printmaking during her studies at Cornell University and Goldsmiths University of London, to artists books self-published as Book Hook Editions, to her current interest in weaving. Her work explores the desire to find personal freedom within inevitable restrictions and retain curiosity in the pursuit of beauty.