Adela Akers

Adela Akers (b. 1933, Santiago de Compostela, Spain) has been creating art as a resident of California for the last 25 years. Drawing inspiration from African and South American textiles, Akers creates woven compositions of simple geometric shapes, bands, zigzags and checks.  Many of her works incorporate metal strips —  meticulously measured and cut from recycled California wine bottle caps.  Her techniques and materials produce images that change under different lighting conditions.  Akers also frequently incorporates horsehair into her weavings, adding texture and dimensionality.  Over time, Akers' work has evolved in scale, material and construction. Yet, several themes reoccur, notably the use of line which, in conjunction with light, brings forth the transformative quality that uniquely characterizes her work.

Artist Statement:

"Before attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Cranbrook Academy of Art, I completed studies to be pharmacist. My background in science has strongly influenced my artwork. The choice of materials and process emerges from that experience. There is a mathematical discipline in the way the work is constructed. This mathematical sequence is in strong contrast to the to the organic process (handweaving) and materials (linen and horsehair) that bring the work to fruition.

Even when I don't know the outcome, it is the transformation of the materials by the repetitive hand manipulation that leads me to the final expression. It is always a discovery when reaching the end.

All the steps are important and contribute to the final work. Narrow strips are woven sequentially; horsehair is inserted at intervals. When the metal foil is used, it is cut in narrow bands to fit at intervals.

It is my intention to externalize both process and materials and their interaction in order to create a richer surface, which is the focus of the work. In the search for answers or solutions, the questions get better and the possibility of a miracle is ever present. The completion of each piece raises questions that form the fabric of work to come."