In The Fray

‘In The Fray’ is a large scale textile piece that reflects an emotional response to the world, from the perspective of artist Sarah Aranha. Referencing a phrase that indicates one has entered into a conflict or argument, ‘In The Fray’ plays with traditional quilting techniques and design elements to impart a sense of unease and instability, feelings that characterize today’s political and social climate.

Typically, quilt patterns rely on repeated symmetrical patterns, valuing a sense of order, balance, and harmony in their design. Instead, ‘In The Fray’ adapts these approaches to convey a state of flux and uncertainty. Also a nod to fraying fabric, this piece provides tactile contrasts between well worn and crisp fabrics, new and old ideas.

Working within a self-imposed structure—using only second hand fabrics, and manipulating pattern and repetition—’In The Fray’ was sewn improvisationally without a predetermined design in mind. The process of sewing together pieces of disparate fabrics dictates a deliberate and intentional pace, forming a scaffolding for the artist’s thoughts, a structure to hold her feelings. ‘In The Fray’ is her attempt to wrestle with these big feelings.