Maite Sosa Methol

En el sur las flores crecen en el mar

My work emerges from a tension surrounding the category of the “uncivilized.” Historically, this term has been used to discipline bodies, cultures, and ways of knowing and making that do not align with Western ideals of order, rationality, and control. What is labeled as excessive, emotional, fantastical, or ornamental has been systematically devalued.

Through my textile practice, I play with excess, colors in their utmost brightness, bad taste, ritual garments, fluidity, and collectivity as potential.

From my homeland, Uruguay, I draw inspiration from the reds of the ceibo, our national flower; the shades of blue from our water —which is neither fully ocean nor river, but both— and the ruffles of carnival celebrations. I collage together the fragments that shape my memories to create garments for play. Textiles meant to be worn, constructing bodies that move, dance, and exist with others. Bodies that overflow, scream, celebrate, and honor.

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Hand-dyed silk corset and skirt with industrial jacquard knitted wool bodysuit

Process

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Wool and silk

Detail of industrial net jacquard knitted fabric with sea and floral motifs. 

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Silk

Detail of hand-dyed silk textile with white floral embroidery appliqué. 

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Silk, plastic, glass, and cotton

Detail of hand-dyed silk textile and 3D-printed ceibo flowers with beads. 

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Wool, cotton, and polyester

Detail of industrial knitted lace structure.