For centuries, fiber arts have influenced sciences as diverse as digital technology, mathematics, neuroscience, medicine and more. Radical Fiber explores this relationship through contemporary art and historical artifacts that address five key themes: shape, machine, body, brain and community. How did the accidental discovery of synthetic mauveine dye in 1856 pave the way for modern pharmaceuticals while also generating toxic waste? Why do we respond differently to a woven photograph than a printed one? These and other questions reframe the fiber/science intersection and ask how the medium can be used to improve our world for the future.

Radical Fiber features a new artwork created by amateur and professional makers around the globe: the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, part of the Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. Alongside numerous unidentified artists, additional artists and creators include: Lia Cook, Brock Craft, Veronica Dry, Anna Dumitriu, Ellis Developments, Hanne Kekkonen, Kintra Fibers, Elaine Krajenke Ellison, Karen Norberg, William Henry Perkin, Helen Remick, Dario Robleto, Daniela Rosner, Samantha Shorey, John Sims, Soft Monitor (Victoria Manganiello and Julian Goldman), Daina Taimina, Cecilia Vicun?a and Carolyn Yackel.