Delaine Le Bas's immersive textile installation explores Traveller culture at Newcastle Contemporary Art
Delaine Le Bas showcases 'Fabricating My Own Myth – Red Threads & Silver Needles' at Newcastle Contemporary Art from 31 May to 2 August 2025. This exhibition immerses viewers in textile environments adorned with calico walls, red ribbons, and sculptures made from safety pins. Guests traverse paper floors marked by red footprints, enhancing the space's lived-in feel. A documentary by Gary P Malkin highlights the impact of war-induced displacement. Le Bas delves into travel narratives pertinent to the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community. Key pieces include 'Off Kilter' (2024), a wire wagon sculpture, and 'Secession' (2023), showcasing a horse's head. The exhibition also features self-portrait rag dolls and critiques politicized movement. Jonathan McAloon reviewed it in ArtReview, September 2025.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Fabricating My Own Myth – Red Threads & Silver Needles' runs from 31 May to 2 August 2025
- Delaine Le Bas was nominated for the Turner Prize last year
- The exhibition features calico-covered walls, red ribbons, and giant needles
- Includes a documentary video by Gary P Malkin addressing displacement and movement barriers
- Horse sculptures reference Traveller culture, made of black organdy stuffed with hay and lavender
- Le Bas has been making political textile art since the late 1980s
- Exhibition includes self-portrait rag dolls from the 1990s and early 2000s with sequinned details
- Reviewed in ArtReview's September 2025 issue by Jonathan McAloon
Entities
Artists
- Delaine Le Bas
- El Anatsui
- Serge Attukwei Clottey
- Gary P Malkin
- Jonathan McAloon
Institutions
- Newcastle Contemporary Art
- ArtReview
- Turner Prize
Locations
- Newcastle
- United Kingdom