Sarah Rosalena, an interdisciplinary artist, is challenging historical narratives through her multimedia exhibition titled In All Directions, currently on display at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti. Collaborating with Ohio State’s Department of History of Art, Rosalena combines traditional loom weaving with modern technology to push the boundaries set by colonization.
The exhibition explores various themes such as climate change, land dispossession, and indigenous rights, using mediums like ceramic, textile, and beadwork. Rosalena aims to challenge viewers’ binary narratives of history and encourage them to approach the exhibition with an open mind.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is Rosalena’s use of a digital Jacquard loom, which allows her to feed an algorithm and create pixelated woven images. For example, her piece titled Exit Point combines a satellite image of Earth with an image of a black hole, resulting in a thought-provoking woven product that symbolizes our fragile planet and the vastness of the universe.
The collaboration between the Columbus Museum of Art and Ohio State’s Department of History of Art has been a fruitful one. Under the guidance of Kris Paulsen, an associate professor of history of art, students had the opportunity to study and discuss Rosalena’s work, ultimately contributing to the production of the exhibition’s catalog.
Rosalena’s artistic process begins with a focus on power structures and how images influence others. She often collaborates with NASA, family members, and other weavers to gather source data. The artist draws inspiration from space, emphasizing the symbolic power of Earth and shedding light on hidden injustices.
In addition to textiles, Rosalena incorporates 3D-printed sculptures in her exhibition, representing the flaws inherent in colonialism. These sculptures, influenced by weaving and basketry patterns, often feature holes or collapsing forms, offering a commentary on the negative impacts of colonial practices.
For Rosalena, weaving is not only a means of artistic expression but also a reflection of her family history and the female role models who taught her the craft. She even used her own mother’s loom for the beaded works displayed in In All Directions, highlighting the matriarchal lineage in her family.
Sarah Rosalena’s In All Directions exhibition challenges historical narratives by merging traditional techniques with modern technology. By incorporating themes of climate change, land dispossession, and indigenous rights, Rosalena encourages viewers to reconsider their understanding of history. The collaboration between the Columbus Museum of Art and Ohio State’s Department of History of Art has enabled students to actively participate in the creation of the exhibition. Overall, Rosalena’s work serves as a powerful reflection on power structures, the symbolism of Earth, and the need to acknowledge unseen injustices.
