Sophia Knehans: Derby
Artist Statement
Derby is a double-woven panel constructed with hand-dyed cotton warp and weft. In this piece, I investigate how speed and constant acceleration are valued in western society. The composition depicts two racing dogs, one close at the heels of the other, charging through checkpoints in pursuit of a finish line that isn’t there. They are suspended in this desperation, unable to stop running if they wanted to. Manual weaving, as a process and art form, is antithetical to the culture of speed in which it exists. Double weave requires repetition and lots of time. It quite literally takes twice as long as standard weaving. Through material process, I ask whether deliberate slowness can function as resistance within a system that necessitates both speed and constant acceleration.
About the Project
- Title of Work: Derby
- Medium: One 43"x11.5" woven panel
- Student's Name: Sophia Knehans
- Major: Mathematics
- Anticipated Graduation Date: 26-May
- Hometown: Lee's Summit, Missouri
- Student's Mentor: C. Pazia Mannella
- Mentor's Department: Art
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