Blue Collar
Blue Collar
The Guild Room at Epiphany Center for the Arts
September 23, 2022 to November 19, 2022
Blue Collar is an exploration of African Americans’ contributions to denim textiles, twill woven cotton dyed blue with indigo, produced in postcolonial America. Denim has become Amanda Christine Harth’s textile of choice due to its timelessness and the complex history of the iconic blue jean color. West Africa has a long historic tradition of harvesting indigo plants to produce the color; yet there are few archives holding garments, photos, tools and documents to support this important African contribution to indigo’s global and intercontinental history.
Connecting with people over the language of style and how others connect through garments has been a driving force behind Harth’s practice. Her work is a constant study on the history of textiles and garments in underserved communities impacting change on a global economy. As her craft evolved she became more focused on the individuals in the garments and their stories. Blue Collar will be the first iteration in a series of textile exhibitions created to showcase the individuals from marginalized communities and fashion subcultures that have shaped society.
This exhibition is a highlight of Chicago Textile Week, and features indigo-dyed textiles, repurposed denim garments and original quilts created by Amanda Christine Harth, as well as research Harth conducted during her artist residency at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Homan Square.
For more information or to schedule a viewing appointment, please email art@epiphanychi.com.
Amanda Christine Harth explores the origin stories of fashion’s subcultures. Her findings are presented through exhibitions, discussions, and interactive workshops. Harth wants to create opportunities for people to connect and share their experiences with clothing. She was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in the West Pullman neighborhood, and studied fashion at the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and owned a clothing company that evolved into a resource for independent designers.
Amanda Christine Harth explores the origin stories of fashion’s subcultures. Her findings are presented through exhibitions, discussions, and interactive workshops. Harth wants to create opportunities for people to connect and share their experiences with clothing. She was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago in the West Pullman neighborhood, and studied fashion at the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and owned a clothing company that evolved into a resource for independent designers.
