The works displayed at the Narrative Thread exhibition were chosen by an international team of experts in textile art, visual arts, and design: jury members Andy Best and Kristiina Wiherheimo, both from Finland, and Britt Smaelvar, from Denmark. The pieces for the exhibition were selected from among 230 works, by 96 artists.

The jury had to be selective: on display at Vapriikki will be 40 works, from 36 artists – the very best of today’s Finnish textile art. The works provide interpretations and commentary related to contemporary phenomena. In their decisions, the jury stressed not only technical skill but also the content – the narrative – of current textile art.

The themes covered range from love songs to a critique of consumerism and the chemical pollution in our environment. In addition to traditional textile materials, the works exploit, for example, plywood, feathers and electronic components.

The Narrative Thread triennial features the following artists: Kaisa Berry, Timo Berry, Liina Blom, Synnove Dickhoff, Katri Haahti, Leena Halme, Eeva Heikkinen, Elina Helenius, Katja Huhmarkangas, Leena Illukka, Laura Impola, Helena Kaikkonen, Aino Kajaniemi, Merja Keskinen, Tanja Koistila, Katja Luoto, Niina Mantsinen, Outi Martikainen, Nina Nisonen, Maria Nuutinen, Deepa Panchamia, Silja Puranen, Minnamarina Tammi, Heli Tuori-Luutonen

Riitta Turunen, Annaliisa Troberg, Suvi Suikki, Janna Syvänoja, Helena Vaari, Hanna Kaisa Vainio, Sylvia Valkola, Virpi Vesanen Laukkanen, Ulla-Maija Vikman, Johanna Virtanen, Jana Vyborna-Turunen, Tarja Wallius, Miia Westerlund, and Meri Westlin. The Narrative Thread exhibition is the main event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the TEXO textile artists’ association.

Textile artists’ association TEXO is an expert group established in 1956 to promote textile arts. It is a member organisation of Ornamo, the Finnish association for industrial art, and liaises with international networks of designers. The organisation’s exhibitions and communications promote public awareness of textile art. The association has granted the title Textile Artist of the Year since 1981 as an acknowledgement of professional and artistic achievement.