An exhibit focusing on computing technology in the early textile industry will open Jan. 17 in the Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet at Saint Vincent College.
A reception for “Technological Textiles: Computing History and Decorative Textiles” is planned for 5-7 p.m. that day in the gallery is on the ground floor of the Fred Rogers Center on the Unity campus. The exhibit runs through June 12.
Featured pieces illustrate generative art, or art created with coding as a central characteristic, according to a gallery release.
“An important highlight in the history of generative art is the invention of the Jacquard loom in 1801. The handloom itself featured a weaving attachment that introduced the concept of a stored ‘computer-like’ program in the form of punched cards,” says curator Lauren Churilla. “These automated cards allowed weavers to produce and replicate complex patterns in textiles quickly and efficiently.
“Jacquard’s invention revolutionized the weaving industry and punch-card technology paved the way for the invention of both the computer and later forms of generative and algorithmic art,” she says.
Gallery hours are noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays.
Details: 724-805-2188 or mccarlgallery.org
