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Beaked: A Story in Fabric unfolding at SCAD gallery
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Turtle Transportation by Kristie Duncan. - photo by Photo provided

Savannah College of Art and Design presents the MFA Fibers exhibition “Beaked: A Story in Fabric” by Kristie Carlisle Duncan.

Who would have thought fuzzy little blue birds would try and take over the world? That’s just what’s happening in the fabric world created by artist Kristie Carlisle Duncan. In this world, the blue birds have decided all the other animals in their world should look more like them. The birds use crudely constructed structures such as flying machines and a Trojan Deer to seek out their converts. Are these cute little birds truly malicious or just initiating social advancement?

Duncan uses creatures in vibrant scenes to comment on human behavior and social relationships. Her work is an experience in enchantment and allows the viewer to escape the real world in order to reflect on it. “I am inspired by the rich connection story has with fiber,” she said. Using fabric as the medium to tell her stories, Duncan mixes familiar domestic materials to create her artwork.

She encourages the viewer’s imagination through the common. Materials that are easily recognized allow viewers to interpret the work based on their own experiences.

“I use previously owned fabric. The comfort these fabrics gave to their owners can be seen in the deterioration,” she said. “With these fabrics I am continuing a story that is already in progress.”

This allows the viewer to approach subversive subject matter without apprehension.

“The world can be a disturbing and deceitful place; fabric makes everything a bit softer,” said Duncan.

Duncan is a graduate student in the fibers department at SCAD. She received her BFA in ceramics and painting from the University of Montevallo in Alabama.