Where Do the Boundaries of Textiles Begin and End?
Today, it is difficult to define them, as textiles possess great allure, offer vast possibilities, and function as an interdisciplinary field. Textile artists are open to other forms of art, which is why contemporary textiles intertwine with areas such as animation, sculpture, performance, and more.
The Textile Art and Design study programs at VDA (Vilnius Academy of Arts) are built upon a modern approach to textiles, merging technology, tradition, creativity, and innovation. These programs are designed to help students discover their own textile language, form, or direction. The studies offer freedom of expression, allowing students to explore their artistic voice and find ways to apply textile art and technological skills in various fields. The word "design" is intentionally integrated into the program's name, as it plays a crucial role in understanding the broader context and interdisciplinary nature of contemporary textiles.
The VDA Textile Department follows the "textile thinking" concept developed by the international ArcInTex research network. This approach views textiles as a broad field encompassing textile culture, art, craftsmanship, and design.
Textiles are no longer limited to tapestries or embroidery. Contemporary textile artists successfully raise significant questions through conceptual works at prestigious art events such as the Venice Biennale, documenta, and Manifesta. Professionals in textile art and design actively contribute to the fashion industry—not only by shaping trends but also by seeking more sustainable and user-friendly solutions. That is why students in this program are encouraged to collaborate with businesses and engage in the development of innovative materials and processes.
At the VDA Textile Department, students are guided by experienced professionals who have extensive backgrounds in contemporary art and diverse industries, from theater to industrial production. The program features renowned artists who successfully implement their projects both in Lithuania and abroad, including Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė, Laura Pavilonytė-Ežerskienė, Eglė Ganda Bogdanienė, Paulina Eglė Pukytė, Dovilė Gudačiauskaitė, Dainius Liškevičius, Miglė Lebednykaitė, and others. More information about the faculty can be found here.
The faculty and students of the Textile Art and Design program collaborate with universities, textile companies, exhibition curators, and art managers in Lithuania and abroad. This provides students with broad creative opportunities and valuable networking connections. The studies emphasize individual consultations, discussions, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and understanding the contemporary art context while fostering independent creativity and an innovative approach to artistic practice.
The interweaving of fabric and materials has accompanied humanity since ancient times. From birth, our skin serves as a protective barrier against external influences, and textiles envelop us to provide warmth and security. This symbolic connection reminds us that textiles remain an integral part of our lives in various forms. It is an inexhaustible field of study. While the origins of textiles stretch back thousands of years, today, it is a rapidly evolving and dynamic discipline—one that not only allows artists to engage with contemporary art movements but also offers opportunities to contribute to other industries and develop solutions that will remain relevant in the future.
(Art historian Karolina Tomkevičiūtė)
