The Narrative Tapestries
of June Wayne:
Tidal Waves, DNA, and the Cosmos
Having revolutionized American print making through the founding of Tamarind Lithography Workshop, June Wayne directed her attention to fiber, transforming another medium.
La Journée des Lemmings (Lemmings' Day)
At Last a Thousand
Visa
Verdict
Grande Vague Bleue
Cinquième Vague (The Fifth Wave)
Grande Vague Noire
Lame De Choc (Shockwave)
Onde en Folie (Crazy Wave)
La Cible (The Target)
Col Noir (Black Chain)
At a time when tapestry and fiber art was mostly conceived to be an out of date craft, Wayne grasped the medium’s sensuous and tactile nature, and was moved by the possibilities of its use as a canvas for exploring the scientific themes which had preoccupied her for two decades. Working closely with the master weavers of the historic Atelier de Saint Cyr and Ateliers d’Aubusson between 1970 and 1974, despite many challenges, she brought her vision to life.
These tapestries, never made in more than four examples, were first exhibited in France, and in 2010 in a landmark solo show at the Art Institute of Chicago, curated by Christa C. Mayer Thurman.