Unraveling is often thought of as the act of undoing. However, unraveling is also be a creative and generative practice that reveals and uncovers hidden truths. For the Hyde Park Art Center Gala, I created an interactive piece called Un/Doing, where attendees and I participated in spontaneously unraveling a large tapestry to reveal parts of an image concealed beneath its surface. Through the act of destroying the work, its true nature comes to light. Although not obligatory, participants were encouraged to dip their fingers in charcoal to leave their (and my) marks on the tapestry, even on the sections they did not unravel. I envision this work becoming a kind of palimpsest of human touch. As participants unraveled the piece, I asked, “What does it mean to be undone?” My goal was for this question to encourage thoughtful disassembly of the weaving. Through community participation, I aimed to foster a discussion about how communities work together to reveal or conceal truths, and how doing so can reflect aspects of ourselves and society.


