Mary Tooley Parker “HOOKED”
Online Solo Exhibition
Presented by The Untitled Space
April 10 - May 10, 2024
VIEW
The Untitled Space is pleased to present an online solo show of textile artworks by artist Mary Tooley Parker from April 10, 2024 through May 10, 2024.
Mary Tooley Parker, a luminary in the realm of textile art, breathes life into wool and various fibers, wielding them as her palette to paint narratives and evoke emotions. Transitioning from a dynamic career in dance to the vibrant world of art production at prestigious magazines like Vanity Fair and GQ, Tooley Parker's journey took a decisive turn as she sought solace and inspiration in the tranquility of rural environments.
Born out of this new chapter emerged a profound fascination with textiles in diverse forms. Eventually, she found herself drawn to the rich tapestry of American folk art, particularly the craft of rug hooking, albeit with a distinctive twist—her creations transcended the conventional notion of rugs, becoming intricate textile artworks, each bearing a story of its own.
Tooley Parker's artistic arsenal is a testament to her eclectic approach, incorporating a medley of materials ranging from new and recycled wool to cotton and silk fabric, fleece, handspun yarn, and metallic fibers. Her deft hand in employing natural and synthetic dyes imbues her creations with a kaleidoscope of colors, each hue meticulously chosen to breathe life into her visions.
Her textiles have graced the halls of galleries and museums alike, leaving an indelible mark from New York City to London and Denmark, while finding sanctuary in esteemed public and private collections. Notable among these are her solo shows as well as group exhibitions, including participation in The Untitled Space group shows including "IRL: Investigating Reality," "ONE YEAR OF RESISTANCE," and “UNRAVELED.” Museum exhibitions have further solidified her presence in the art world, with displays at the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art, Arnot Art Museum, and MOCA Westport.
A stalwart in the artistic community, Tooley Parker is a proud member of the National Association of Women Artists and the Silvermine Guild of Artists, institutions that celebrate and champion the creative endeavors of women in the arts.
Recognition of her talent and contribution to the artistic landscape came to fruition in 2015 when she was honored with a Fellowship by the New York Foundation for the Arts, a distinction that underscored her unwavering commitment to her craft. Not content with merely creating art, she has also lent her expertise as a panelist for NYFA, enriching the artistic discourse and nurturing emerging talents.
In the realm of critical acclaim, Tooley Parker's work has garnered praise from eminent voices in the art world. John Yau, in a recent review published in HYPERALLERGIC, eloquently captured the essence of her artistry, remarking on her ability to transcend the confines of time and weave narratives that resonate deeply with the viewer.
“Tooley Parker has taken a folk art form that emerged in the mid-19th century and transformed it into a way of recounting a slice of rural life in the early 1960s. Her memorialization of key periods in her early life is quirky, tender, and winsome. The softness of her tapestries exudes a welcoming comfort.”
Mary Tooley Parker's journey through the realms of dance, art production, and finally, textile art, serves as a testament to the transformative power of her creativity. With each stitch, she weaves not just threads but narratives that bridge the past with the present, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of human experience.
ARTIST BIO:
Mary Tooley Parker is a textile maker using wool and other fibers as paint. After a career in dance followed by art production at Vanity Fair and GQ magazines, Tooley Parker left New York City for a more rural environment. She began pursuing an interest in textiles of different forms, eventually leading her to the American folk art of rug hooking. Incorporated in her work are new and recycled wool, cotton and silk fabric, fleece, handspun and mill-spun yarn, silk fiber, and metallic fibers. She uses natural and synthetic dyes to create colors as needed. Her textiles have been exhibited in galleries and museums from New York City to London to Denmark and are held in public and private collections. Tooley Parker has been featured in a number of solo shows as well as group shows including The Untitled Space exhibitions, "IRL: Investigating Reality," "ONE YEAR OF RESISTANCE," and “Unraveled.” Museum exhibitions include the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art, Arnot Art Museum, and MOCA Westport. She is a member of the National Association of Women Artists, and the Silvermine Guild of Artists, and was awarded a Fellowship by the New York Foundation for the Arts in 2015. “HOOKED” is her first solo show with The Untitled Space.