Vivienne Riggio’s fiber sculptures offer a fascinating intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistry.
Vivienne Riggio is a contemporary artist known for her fiber sculptures that blend traditional techniques, repurposed materials, and cultural symbolism, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.
Through the use of repurposed materials and innovative techniques, Riggio breathes new life into cultural motifs, creating works that are rich in narrative and visual complexity. Each piece is a testament to her commitment to sustainability and her deep connection to heritage and identity.
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La Churrita (2022)Â
In La Churrita, Riggio pays homage to the native Churro sheep, a symbol of Southwestern culture. The sculpture is meticulously crafted with a papier-mâché head covered in faux fibers, reflecting the texture and spirit of the Churro sheep. The four horns, constructed from wire and papier-mâché, evoke the distinctive appearance of the male sheep. The colcha embroidery adds a layer of cultural depth, marrying traditional art forms with contemporary sculptural practices. This piece is a celebration of heritage, blending reverence for the past with a modern approach to material and form.
Soul Advisor (2022)Â
Soul Advisor, Vivienne Riggio, 2022, wool, embroidery and wire mesh, 60 x 36 x 30 in. / 152.4 x 91.44 x 76.2 cm.
Riggio’s Soul Advisor is an evocative piece that draws on the imagery of a bird, covered in a rich tapestry of natural dyed wool and painted paper feathers. The heart, meticulously embroidered using the traditional New Mexico "colcha" technique, symbolizes the spirit within. This sculpture stands out not only for its craftsmanship but also for its spiritual symbolism, inviting viewers to consider the interplay between the material and the ethereal. The use of a mesh metal base adds an industrial contrast, highlighting Riggio's innovative blending of disparate materials to create harmony.
Conxita (2022)
Conxita, Vivienne Riggio, 2022, fiber art sculpture, 72 x 36 x 30 in. / 182.88 x 91.44 x 76.2 cm.
In Conxita, Riggio continues her exploration of cultural motifs and repurposed materials, this time creating a figure adorned with a lace mantilla and traditional embroidery. The papier-mâché head and horns lend the piece a tactile presence, while the recycled materials reflect Riggio’s commitment to sustainability. The dress form, embellished with intricate details, embodies both fragility and resilience, echoing the complex layers of identity and tradition. Conxita becomes a dialogue between the old and new, inviting viewers to reflect on the layers of history embedded in the materials.
Vivienne Riggio’s works are a captivating exploration of culture, sustainability, and artistic innovation. Through her fiber sculptures, she revives traditional techniques and materials, creating artworks that are both deeply rooted in heritage and forward-thinking in their conceptual approach.
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Sheep Shearer, Vivienne Reggio, 2021, fiber art sculpture, 60 x 36 x 24 in. / 152.4 x 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
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