The theme challenged the artists to visually translate a phrase of two contrasting ideas that combine into one concept. The prospectus asked artists to explore “seemingly contradictory or incongruous figures of speech, used for dramatic, humorous, or ironic effect.”
Each artist chose a two-word juxtaposition to portray in the form of an art quilt. SAQA defines the art quilt as “a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.” Therefore, art quilt creators often work with nontraditional materials or processes in an art form freed from the bed to hang on the wall. They are not bound by the usual rectilinear form. They frequently alter fabric or other materials with surface design techniques.
Working within the “layered and stitched” form, byCONTRAST: Apparent Contradictions artists used their imaginations and creativity to decode the apparent contradiction between the words of their chosen oxymoron.
All 29 examples of creative expressions in byCONTRAST: Apparent Contradictions showcase the medium of art quilts. Each artist uses the art quilt form to create and present a unique visual interpretation of an oxymoron. Thus, each artist found an “impossible solution” to the challenge of depicting a concept consisting of two words with opposite meanings.
Over the 35 years of its existence, SAQA has championed art quilts as a fine art medium. A global organization of over 4,000 members, SAQA promotes the appreciation of the art quilt through its publications, conferences, website and internet activity, and global and regional exhibitions.
The exhibition will travel to four venues, opening at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center and traveling to The View in Old Forge NY, the Trenton Museum at Ellarslie Mansion in NJ, and Bethany Art Community in Ossining NY.”
– Linda Colsh (more info below!)
A note from Ann Johnston, Juror of “Apparent Contradictions”
“I think we enjoy so many figures of speech in our daily lives that we often don’t notice that they are incongruous or that they have other possible meanings. This exhibition highlights some of them in very creative works of art—all quilts from the members of SAQA’s New Jersey + New York Region. The artists have written about their work so we can understand more about their thoughts. I had fun looking and reading—over and over again. Making choices is the not-fun part because I feel that all the works deserve our attention; they should have their voices heard. No matter the content, skill, or complexity in the piece, all the artists should be respected for their energy and willingness to put their work out to be seen. I think that they all have grown with this creative experience, whether or not their own quilt is in the exhibition.
The quilts show the depth and variety of a group of committed quilt artists. There are so many ways to create an image with cloth and thread and we see them all here, in fact some I hadn’t really seen before. The greatest commitment seems to be to exploration, of ideas of course, but also to experimentation with surface design and construction techniques. We need to stand back and then get closer to absorb the details and read the comments to fully appreciate them. It all adds up to a feast for the viewers.
The most important thing I looked for was originality in the artist’s approach to the challenge: did it look and sound like it came from a person’s own experience? I think this selection of quilts is witness to how thoughtful personal exploration can result in an outburst of color and ideas for us all to examine. For me it has been a privilege to have had the opportunity.”
– Ann Johnston, July 2025
annjohnston.net
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ABOUT SAQA
Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt: “a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure.”
Our vision is that the art quilt is universally respected as a fine art medium. SAQA’s core values are: excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusion.
Over the past 35 years, SAQA has grown into a dynamic and active community of over 4,000 artists, curators, collectors, and art professionals located around the world.
With our exhibitions, resources, publications, and membership opportunities, we seek to increase the public’s appreciation for the art quilt and to support our members in their artistic and professional growth.
About Linda Colsh
In addition to being a renowned artist herself, Linda Colsh has served on the Advisory Board and Acquisition Committee of the International Quilt Museum, and as a Board member and Secretary of Studio Art Quilt Associates. Based in Maryland, Linda is a Juried Artist Member of SAQA. See more at www.lindacolsh.com, and follow at www.instagram.com/lcolsh/.
