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Art: Regina Jestrow’s ‘Lots of Little Pieces’ at MDC Kendall Deeply Compelling

Written By Erin Parish
January 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM

Regina Jestrow and “Glitter and Gold 18 (Blue Badlands)” 2023-25, hand-dyed cotton (reactive dyes), assorted textiles, muslin, felt, and thread, 54 x 113 inches. (Photo courtesy Zaire Aranguren)

Regina Jestrow’s latest exhibition, “Lots of Little Pieces (aka My Favorite Color is Glitter)” on display at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus Art Gallery, offers an intricate exploration of personal and cultural narratives through the medium of textile art. Curated by Dainy Tapia of ArtSeen365, the exhibition runs through Thursday, Feb. 16, and brings together a collection of large-scale art quilts that delve into the artist’s family history, aesthetic influences, and the interplay between tradition and innovation.

Jestrow’s approach to quilting is both deeply personal and the title of the exhibition hints at her relationship with her mother and sister, who shared a fondness for glitter and shiny objects. In Queens, New York, Jestrow grew up in a household that embodied what she describes as a “tacky-luxe” aesthetic. This environment, filled with glimmering surfaces and bold textures, left a mark on her artistic practice. By incorporating these visual influences into her quilts, the artist bridges the gap between personal memory and broader cultural motifs.

At the heart of Jestrow’s work is her innovative use of materials. Her quilts are comprised of hand-dyed and painted fabrics and repurposed and deconstructed garments, many of which carry their own unique histories. She sources these secondhand materials, in part, to emphasize a commitment to sustainability and storytelling. The artist incorporates elements from discarded party dresses, using their textures and colors to evoke themes of celebration, nostalgia, and the passage of time.

Regina Jestrow, “Pieced Landscape 50 (after De Amaral),”  2024, hand-dyed cotton (reactive dyes), gifted upholstery fabric, other synthetic fabric,  felt, and thread, 65 x 125 inches. (Photo courtesy Frank Casale)

Traditionally, quilting has been a communal activity, a means of storytelling, and a way to preserve memories through fabric. Jestrow’s work builds on this legacy while re-contextualizing it for a modern audience. By deconstructing and repurposing materials, she creates new narratives. Each quilt becomes a vessel for memory, layered with textures and patterns that invite close examination.

One of the striking aspects of the quilts is their geometric precision. The interplay of shapes, colors, and textures draws the viewer into a meditative space. The use of glitter and other shiny materials introduces an element of playfulness. This juxtaposition of precision and whimsy underscores the complexity of Jestrow’s practice, which balances technical mastery with a sense of spontaneity.

“Lots of Little Pieces” also prompts viewers to reflect on the broader implications of Jestrow’s practice. By repurposing textiles and incorporating elements of pop culture, the artist addresses themes of sustainability, consumerism, and cultural memory. The use of discarded garments, in particular, serves as a commentary on the transient nature of fashion and the potential for renewal and transformation.

The exhibition’s title, “Lots of Little Pieces,” can be interpreted on multiple levels. On a literal level, it refers to the fragments of fabric that make up each quilt. On a metaphorical level, it speaks to the fragmented nature of memory and identity, as well as the process of assembling disparate elements into a cohesive whole. This theme is further reinforced by her use of glitter, which acts as a unifying element, drawing attention to the intricate details of each piece while creating a sense of continuity.

Jestrow’s work also invites comparisons to the broader tradition of textile art and its place within the contemporary art world. Her quilts are not decorative objects but complex works of art that engage with issues of memory, identity, and women’s cultural history. By situating her work within this broader context, she contributes to the ongoing re-evaluation of textile.

Regina Jestrow, “Pieced Landscape 52 Tempest 2,” 2024, hand-dyed cotton (reactive dyes), assorted textiles, muslin, felt, and thread, 96 x 96 inches.(Photo courtesy Frank Casale)

The exhibition at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus Art Gallery is a compelling exploration of the intersections between personal and collective histories, tradition and innovation, and art and craft. Through her thoughtful integration of materials, patterns, and narratives, the work resonates on multiple levels, inviting viewers to engage with the stories embedded in each. By bringing together “lots of little pieces,” Jestrow constructs a rich tapestry of meaning, inviting us to reflect on the connections that bind us to one another and to the past.

WHAT: Regina Jestrow, “Lots of Little Pieces (aka My Favorite Color is Glitter)”

WHERE: Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus Art Gallery, Building M-123, 11011 SW 104th St., Miami

WHEN: Gallery hours (except on holidays): Monday and Wednesday, noon to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, noon. to 4 p.m. Through Thursday, Feb. 6

COST: Free

INFORMATION: (305) 878-2894www.mdc.edu/kendall/art/ and reginajestrow.com

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