Tracing Patterns

Curated as a companion to Meera Sethi: A Brief History of Wear in our Main Gallery, Tracing Patterns delves into the depiction of textiles in works from our permanent collection. This exhibition features a diverse array of portraits—ranging from formally posed depictions to quick, sketched observations—highlighting fabrics such as lace, brocade, tweed, silk, cotton, and denim. Some works, like William Berczy’s detailed portrait of Archduchess Maria Theresa, vividly capture the textures and intricacies of the fabrics. In contrast, others, such as F. H. Varley’s pencil sketches of street scenes, offer more abstract representations, hinting at garments with minimal detail of texture or colour.

To engage visitors, the exhibition features interactive displays where you can touch and feel fabric swatches corresponding to those represented in the works on view. These swatches not only bring the artworks to life but also invite you to imagine the textures and sensations of the garments represented, enhancing your understanding of the clothing beyond mere visual observation.

Image credit:
1. William Berczy, Archduchess Maria-Theresa, Queen of Saxony (detail), c. 1780, oil on canvas, 72 cm x 57.5 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. Purchased by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham, 2009.
2. Alma Duncan, Self Portrait with Red Stripes (detail), 1958, oil on Masonite, 63.2 cm x 50.6 cm. Collection of the Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Gift of John Ingram, 2016.