The work of Cynthia Alberto, artist and founder of the Brooklyn-based weaving and healing arts studio Weaving Hand, is featured in the current Tremaine Gallery exhibition, “The Language of Looms – Weaving Human Tapestry.” In her practice, Ms. Alberto draws inspiration from ancient practices in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, and uses both traditional and contemporary weaving techniques.

Ms. Alberto stayed on campus for a residency from April 24 to 28, during which she visited art classes and gave masterclasses. She said, “The language of the loom highlights how the product is always interconnected with the process. As a teacher, crafter, and artist, I wanted to bring this connection to the community here.”

Ms. Alberto holds a zero-waste philosophy and incorporates unconventional materials into her pieces. Katie Yang ’25, who attended one of her masterclasses, said, “I felt enlightened by the unique materials the artist used. I was surprised to learn that there is actual hair inside some of the pieces. I admired her ingenuity, which inspires me to use daily items in my work.”

Director of Tremaine Art Gallery, Ms. Terri Moore, coordinated the exhibition. She said, “Cynthia Alberto was one of our artists in a group show last year called ‘Fragmentary Blue.’ I suddenly had a vision of the whole exhibition: she would bring her work to the gallery and we would do the work right there, then put student work up along with Cynthia’s work.”

Ms. Moore said, “Before Cynthia came, I had my Prep classes create their own weaving pieces out of strips of paintings to create abstract landscapes. Lower Mid classes used portraits and blind contours of animals to create tapestries. My goal was for the art students to explore the physicality of making beyond traditional materials and experiment with working with sculptural and fiberistic materials, allowing them to appreciate the art of weaving.”

Ms. Alberto is also a painter and has drawn inspiration from artists who create art in a variety of mediums. She said, “My art is like cooking. I take a little bit from everyone to create my perspective. I am inspired by Mark Bradford, a good friend of mine, Louise Bourgeois’s sculptures, and many others. A lot of incredible textile artists, who are finally getting credit, have been inspirational for me in their newfound recognition of using fabric as art.”

Ms. Alberto’s work and her collaborative pieces with students will be on display through June 7.