Interwoven

Emily Xie

Artwork description:

Interwoven algorithmically reinterprets the tradition of quilting, presenting organic, creature-like forms assembled from a patchwork of patterns. Thematically, this 100-piece collection explores tradition, identity, and materiality through a computational lens.

The series contrasts the stark lines and precise geometries of pattern design with natural shapes, emphasizing the deep connection between textiles and computing. This relationship traces back to the Jacquard loom of 1804, which used punch cards to weave intricate patterns and is widely regarded as a precursor to the first computer. Through generative processes, the project bridges the gap between the handmade and the computational, underscoring how technology can both preserve and transform traditional crafts.

Historically, quilting has been a domain dominated by women, serving not only as a craft but also as a powerful medium for storytelling and the preservation of personal and communal narratives. Each quilt narrates a unique story, often reflecting the experiences of its creator. Interwoven honors this rich tradition, as the algorithm gives rise to figural forms, whose ambiguity compels viewers to interpret and imbue their own stories into each piece. This fusion of traditional quilting and modern coding, as created by a female artist, underscores the pivotal roles that women have played in the evolution of both textile arts and computing.