Motherboard

2021
Handwoven tencel doubleweave
7 inches wide, height varies from 7-10 inches

A weaving series in progress, Motherboard, compares the functional and aesthetic qualities of Bauhaus weavings and computer motherboards. While researching the history of computing I noticed an uncanny resemblance between computer motherboards and classic Bauhaus weavings. In particular, Anni Albers' Black, White, Yellow looked like it could have been the blueprint for the Commodore 64 motherboard. The women of the Bauhaus weaving workshop elevated their craft from being merely aesthetic “pictures made of wool” to designing highly functional materials meeting the requirements of industrial production. Conversely, computer motherboards, whose layouts are optimized for the most efficient connections between components, are etched and emblazoned with copper and gold, materials considered decorative in other contexts, and are arranged in patterns evoking classic Bauhaus weavings. Inspired by Bauhaus weavers who transformed the perception of weaving from merely decorative to being as functional as architecture, this series closes the gap between textiles and technology.