Art form - Artefact . A theoretical evaluation of the textile medium, its history and current use in Australian art and culture

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My thesis explores the role of textile both as a medium in contemporary art practice and, historically, as an Australian social and cultural artefact. I argue that textile is intimately associated with the creation and maintenance of identity. As such, textile may be theorised as a technique of power within our social and political system. The thesis proposes a theory of power, based upon the theories of social scientist, Kenneth Boulding, and philosopher, Michel Foucault. A notion of power that is integrative, that inspires complicity on the basis of a common and ultimately rewarding identity, provides a fruitful context for the consideration of textile, a medium associated with both public and private spaces. I examine the uses of textile in social, religious, political and ceremonial systems (flags, banners, religious vestments and military regalia) as well as evaluating its traditionally recognised place as a domestic artefact. Within contemporary art practice and theory, identity

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