Gross, Amanda K.

2100 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | 412.261.7003 | www.contemporarycraft.org

Amanda K. Gross

As an artist my work deals with themes of relationships and disparities among individuals, communities, spaces, and resources. I draw on the rich history of fiber arts to address complex contemporary issues. Inspired by the depth of fiber work, I invoke layers of metaphor and irony beyond the surface.

In my Domesticated Series, I utilize U.S. currency and images of warfare to examine topics of war and violence in American culture. How have Americans domesticated war to integrate it into their daily lives? I use the uber-feminine ideal popularized in the 1950s as a satirical metaphor for the domestication of this culture of violence. Juxtaposing historically masculine images of warfare against traditional feminine art forms, I create another layer of inquiry regarding gender roles in contemporary culture. My art is driven by a passion to explore the cultural and societal currents that lead to conflict on interpersonal, inter-societal, and international dimensions.

Often I let content dictate media. My work with recycled fashion design focuses on resource scarcity and the profligate fashion industry. I employ items of trash to craft trendy attire. While resource scarcity afflicts many, society has never before had such an abundance of refuse. What is the interplay between waste and an image-seeking culture? How does a society's garbage characterize its norms and values? This body of work is innovative and at the same time incongruous. On one hand, I demonstrate an artist's inventiveness for reuse and redemption; however, like much high-end fashion, many of the pieces lack a daily practical functionality. I am able to visually explore these complexities due to versatility in media and method that pushes the boundaries of artmaking.

To see Amanda’s resume, click here.

Amanda K. Gross

Cupcakes?: Domesticated #3, 2009

US currency and fabric

25” x 49”