“ I don’t think my work is really politically charged. It’s
socially charged, it’s humanly charged,’’says Pannepacker of
Ignite Our Hearts for Peace
and the Wall of Rugs project. As she
painted the mural, she would occasionally chant a mantra or bless-
ing over a textile design—applique patterns from Daghastan or
Sierra Leone’s blue and rust geometries. “I represent countries
as a way to hold an ongoing personal vigil,” she continues. “My
aim is to reflect. It is not a large discourse, but my way to pay re-
spect and give recognition to an individual and a culture.” This
discussion, however, is not one-sided. Philadelphia’s urban context
always exerts its own commentary. In the middle of the intricate
red-and-black Palestine rug, a municipal warning sign reads:
Danger. Live Wire. Keep Off.+
Gimme More!
inliquid.com/artist/pannepacker kathryn/pannepacker.php
“My aim is to reflect. It is not
a large discourse, but my way to
pay respect and give recognition.”
—Kathryn Pannepacker
Opposite left:
Sierra
Leone,
2007, jute, mixed
fibers, pipe cleaners,
matches jh. 40 in,
w. 36 in).
Opposite right:
Israel/
Palestine,
2007, jute
mixed fibers, aluminum
foil, matches {h.36 in,
w. 36 in).
Above:
Scatter/Oather,
small on-site weavings
of jute and pipe cleaners
Pannepacker has left at
locations in the United
States and abroad.
apr/maj'09 american craft 053
