The exquisite silk creation The Light, crafted by Sonja Šterman from the University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Slovenia, a partner of the ARACNE Project, is once again on display as part of the exhibition Costume & Contemplation On Religion. Šterman has drawn inspiration from the deep cultural and symbolic significance of silk to explore themes of protection, transformation, and transcendence.
The creation embodies a profound reflection on the relationship between textile heritage and personal identity. Its outer silhouette mirrors the form of a cocoon, symbolizing the protection of the inner self, much like the silkworm encases itself before its transformation. The delicate lace of quilted silk threads forms the external structure, representing the connection between generations and the continuity of artisanal knowledge. Through its intricate composition, The Light evokes the transition between the visible and the invisible, between tradition and innovation, between memory and contemporary craftsmanship.
The exhibition Costume & Contemplation On Religion is the second installment in the Costume & Contemplation research cycle, presenting the works of fashion design researchers and educators from Lithuania and abroad. It delves into the personal and artistic interpretations of transcendence, weaving together narratives shaped by individual experiences, beliefs, and creative practices. Rather than redefining religion as an absolute framework, the exhibition highlights the diverse ways in which spirituality and contemplation manifest in contemporary fashion design.
The exhibition features works by a distinguished group of international designers, each contributing a unique perspective on the intersection of sacrum and profanum. These creations serve as visual and conceptual reflections on faith, identity, and artistic heritage, offering visitors a compelling insight into the role of fashion as a medium of expression beyond its materiality.
The exhibition is hosted by the Vilnius Academy of Arts, with the support of the Lithuanian Council for Culture and in partnership with the Strzeminski Academy of Art in Lodz.
Exhibiting Artists:
Evelina Dragūnienė & Edita Tamošiūnienė, Dovilė Gudačiauskaitė, Renata Maldutienė, Justė Kubilinskaitė-Tarvydienė, Anna Kuźmitowicz, Rūta Kvaščevičiūtė-Mikalauskė, Dorota Sak, Justina Semčenkaitė, Michał Szulc, Alevtina Ščepanova & Edita Sabockytė-Skudienė, Ieva Šlaičiūnaitė, Sonja Šterman, Jolanta Talaikytė, Maria Wiatrowska.
Curators: Michał Szulc, Renata Maldutienė, Agnetė Voverė
Architect: Ūla Žebrauskaitė-Malinauskė
Designers: Rusnė Šimulynaitė, Michał Szulc
Organizer: Vilnius Academy of Arts
The incredible silk creation The Light by Sonja Šterman has already been featured in a previous exhibition, where it captivated audiences with its profound symbolism and intricate craftsmanship. To learn more about its past showcase and explore further details, click the following link to read the full news article: