Drawing on both her Peruvian heritage and feminist theory, Sarah Zapata's fabric works employ traditional weaving techniques and examine issues of power, Queerness, and identity. Her pieces are a celebration of the in-between, speaking to both the past and present, and existing between craft and fine art. Here, she shares more about her medium, her favorite pastime, and how her work has informed her approach to style.
1. Your art is inspired by your Peruvian heritage and rooted in feminist theory. What contemporary themes do you explore through these lenses?
Issues of control and imagining a better world are always at the forefront of my mind, and my work explores these themes through the medium of textiles.
2. What drew you to using fibers as your medium?
There is so much tradition that exists within the medium, but there are also endless possibilities that can be achieved building upon or disregarding historical context. It is a medium that truly everyone has a relationship to, so there already is a strong element of relateability that exists in the work.
"Color and scale have become a way for me to talk about the themes of the work, while also being unapologetic and speaking to the labor that produces each installation."
3. What roles do color and scale play in your work?
Color and scale have become a way for me to talk about the themes of the work, while also being unapologetic and speaking to the labor that produces each installation. In being so large, there is also the possibility for the viewer to become a part of the work, which feels like another level of engagement and understanding.
4. Tell us about some of your works available on Platform.
The works on Platform are some of my Gargoyle pieces that are meant to exist in two planes at the same time; they celebrate the in-between. They are made of cut, sewn, and stuffed handwoven cloth and can be hung in a multitude of ways. The cloth is treated almost like collage, being broken down and built up again to form something almost cartologically.
5. What’s your favorite thing to do when not creating art?
I love going to the opera: the drama, the fantasy, the emotion is just so beautiful and challenging. I'm so thankful that opera continues to thrive as we weather the pandemic.
6. How does your work inform your style?
Just as I create spaces for my bodies to move through, I like to think about how I adorn my body changes how I move through space.
7. What about the Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2022 collection makes you feel your best?
You can't go wrong in a suit.
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