Featured image: Darling Dallon, Alfreda Southerland, 2023, mixed media, 32 x 32 in. / 81.28 x 81.28 cm.
Alfreda Southerland skillfully bridges the gap between traditional textile practices and contemporary artistic expression.
Alfreda Southerland is renowned for her vibrant textile artworks that blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, exploring cultural heritage and personal narratives through intricate fabric compositions.
Her mixed media artworks blend various materials including fabric, metal, and vinyl to create visually striking pieces that resonate with cultural heritage and personal narrative. Each work is a testament to her mastery of textile arts and her innovative approach to form and content.
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Autumn Star (2023)
Autumn Star, Alfreda Southerland, 2023, mixed media, 36 x 36 in. / 91.44 x 91.44 cm.
"Autumn Star" utilizes a traditional dolman quilting pattern from Guinea, West Africa, presented in a vibrant array of autumnal colors. Southerland's adept use of color gradation and complex geometric patterns not only pays homage to her cultural roots but also breathes new life into the classic art form of quilting. This piece stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship and its ability to convey warmth and depth through the interplay of colors and shapes.
Love Explosion (2022)
Love Explosion, Alfreda Southerland, 2022, fabric, 28 x 28 in. / 71.12 x 71.12 cm.
"Love Explosion" is a dynamic composition made from linen, silk, metallic fabrics, assorted ribbons, and vinyl. The eclectic mix of materials creates a textural richness that is both visually appealing and tactile. The central burst of colors and textures symbolizes an explosion of emotions, showcasing Southerland’s ability to translate feelings into a tangible form. This artwork is a celebration of love and vibrancy, captured through the lens of high-texture mixed media.
See Me (2020)
See Me, Alfreda Southerland, 2020, mixed media, 58 x 58 in. / 147.32 x 147.32 cm.
"See Me" is an evocative piece that combines various textiles and colors to create an intricate, layered effect. The complexity of the materials used in this work mirrors the complexity of identity and visibility, themes central to the piece. Southerland challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the underlying stories woven into the fabric of the artwork, making it a powerful statement on perception and recognition.
Alfreda Southerland’s artistry is characterized by a deep respect for textile traditions coupled with a progressive approach to art-making. Her works are more than just visual delights; they are narratives woven into the fabric of cultural and personal identity, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate the rich textures of history and emotion.
Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Infusion, Alfreda Southerland, 2021, mixed media, 30 x 30 in. / 76.2 x 76.2 cm.
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